Al-Nassr will reportedly demand around €15-20 million to part ways with 30-year-old Spanish international Aymeric Laporte, a target for Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Aymeric Laporte is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are mulling over dipping their toes in the market for a centre-back in the January transfer window after losing Eder Militao to a long-term knee injury. So, the Al-Nassr defender is a target, with the Saudi Pro League giants demanding €15-20 million to part ways with the 30-year-old UEFA Euro 2024 winner.
Aymeric Laporte and his career trajectory
Aymeric Laporte has been one of the best defenders in the world in the last half a dozen years and more. A native of Agen, he spent most of his formative years in France before graduating from the youth division at Athletic Club. While the player represented France in age-group football, he never got an opportunity to turn out for Les Bleus.
So, Laporte switched his allegiances from France to Spain and has made 39 appearances for La Roja in the last three years. The 30-year-old also played his part as Luis de la Fuente’s men won the UEFA Euro 2024 title in the summer. As for the experienced defender’s career at the club level, he spent most of his peak years with Manchester City.
However, Laporte took the surprising decision to move to the Saudi Pro League in August 2023, joining Al-Nassr. Since then, he has been arguably the best defender in the competition, turning out over 50 times thus far for Al-Nassr while chipping in with seven goals and one assist. However, the Spanish international is ready to return to Europe, with Real Madrid among his prospective suitors.
La Liga return on the horizon?
Real Madrid mulled over signing Aymeric Laporte in the summer transfer window before the move failed to see the light of day. The UEFA Euro 2024 winner was also ready to terminate his contract, but it did not achieve the desired result. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s continued interest is understandable.
The reigning La Liga champions have lost Eder Militao to a season-ending knee injury, while David Alaba is on the sidelines with a similar long-term issue. So, Antonio Rudiger is the only recognised senior centre-back in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, with the Real Madrid manager not using Jesus Vallejo. Laporte is thus a viable target for Los Blancos, and he will not cost a bomb.
Al-Nassr will demand around €15-20 million to part ways with Laporte in the January transfer window. That is an acceptable sum for a player who knows La Liga well and is still at his peak. However, it is unclear if Real Madrid will cough up €15-20 million to sign the 30-year-old Spanish international.
