Real Madrid started the season with a clear defensive objective: to strengthen its back line after several setbacks. The injuries to key players such as Eder Militão and David Alaba left the club in trouble, forcing it to look for urgent solutions. The decision was clear: to sign Dean Huijsen, a young center-back with a promising future, and to use Trent Alexander-Arnold as right-back, adapting his versatility to cover that area.
Huijsen has arrived with determination, and his progress is being closely monitored. However, Real Madrid's sporting management hasn't settled for this option alone.
Madrid has always had Aymeric Laporte on its radar, a center-back with extensive experience in the Premier League and the Spanish national team. His arrival could have brought a great deal of security and leadership to Madrid's defense.
The player everyone wanted: Laporte in the spotlight
Laporte, after a successful spell at Manchester City, took a different path by signing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. However, the experience hasn't been the desired one.
Coach Jorge Jesús made it clear that the defender isn't part of his plans and that they're looking for a replacement for him. This has opened up an opportunity that many European clubs have closely followed.
Real Madrid wasn't the only one interested. Atlético de Madrid, Olympique de Marseille, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain also considered bringing him in, tempted by the player's quality and track record. However, his high salary and other factors made his future uncertain.
An unexpected return that brings excitement: Laporte and Athletic
Here's the surprise. Everything indicates that Aymeric Laporte is close to returning to Athletic Club, the team that developed him and holds special meaning for him. Athletic's defense is in crisis: the suspension of Yeray Álvarez, along with the injuries to Unai Egiluz and Aitor Paredes, has left the team in a difficult situation.
Ernesto Valverde has had to improvise, fielding players out of their natural positions to cover the back line. That's why Laporte's return would mean not only tactical relief but also a morale boost for the team and its fans.
Al Nassr is willing to let him go at no cost to facilitate the deal, as long as the player accepts a pay cut. According to sources close to the negotiations, the agreement is very advanced and only a few details remain for its confirmation.