Aymeric Laporte reportedly wants to return to La Liga, with the 27-year-old Spanish international thereby handing Barcelona and Real Madrid a major boost.
According to a report by 90 min, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Aymeric Laporte in the summer transfer window. That is because the 27-year-old Spanish international wishes to leave Manchester City in favour of returning to La Liga.
Aymeric Laporte joined Manchester City from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018 and has since gone on to scale quite a few heights in his career. A serial trophy winner now, the player has also broken into the Spanish national side after deciding to switch allegiances from France this summer.
As for club level, Laporte has made 111 appearances over the course of his stint with Manchester City while chipping in with eight goals and three assists along the way. However, after falling behind John Stones in the pecking order last term, the 27-year-old is looking to call it quits at the Etihad this summer, with Barcelona and Real Madrid among his suitors.
Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in Laporte, having also attempted to sign him on a few occasions before he move from Athletic Bilbao to Manchester City. The continued interest in the Spanish international is understandable despite the arrival of Eric Garcia, because Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet have been deemed to be surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.
Three potential destinations for Aymeric Laporte | THT Opinions
Therefore, a left-footed centre-back could be the need of the hour for the Blaugrana, if both the French defenders end up leaving this summer, thus making Laporte a viable target. Real Madrid, on the other hand, have also been keen on signing Laporte in recent times.
The Merengues are in a bit of a pickle right now, as far as defence is concerned, following the exit of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. While David Alaba’s arrival can mitigate the issue to some extent, it is important to note that Eder Militao and Nacho are the only other viable options at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal. So, it is important that Real Madrid sign another centre-back this summer.
To that end, Los Blancos have been linked with quite a few central defenders ever since it was announced that Varane will be joining Manchester United. And now, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been handed a major boost in the race to sign the 27-year-old, who is not only eager to leave Manchester City but make a return to La Liga.
The valuation Manchester City impose on Laporte will now be interesting to see and in turn, it will then be crucial if Barcelona and Real Madrid are able to afford him. The race to sign Laporte just got interesting and it remains to be seen if he returns to Spain by joining either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
