Real Madrid Confidencial Ancelotti asked for his signing a year ago, now he'll be Real Madrid's rival in LaLiga
Athletic is close to finalizing Laporte's return, a center-back requested by the Italian coach due to the wave of injuries
Aymeric Laporte is close to coming back home. Athletic Club has made a move and wants to bring back the Spanish center-back.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Basque club has already made an initial verbal offer to Al Nassr. They want to bring back one of the most important players in its recent history.
The defender isn't part of the Saudi team's plans. After signing Slovakian David Hancko for €33 million ($33 million), Al Nassr has made it clear that Laporte can leave.
He was on Real Madrid's radar and now could return to LaLiga
Last winter transfer window, Real Madrid inquired about Laporte. It was a direct request from Carlo Ancelotti, who was looking for a reliable reinforcement after injuries in defense.
The deal didn't happen. Al Nassr was asking for €30 million ($30 million) and wasn't considering a loan. Madrid, with no room in the winter market, had to give up.
Now, Laporte is one step away from returning to LaLiga. He won't wear white. He'll do so in Athletic's red and white jersey.
The main obstacle in the deal is his salary. Laporte earns €25 million ($25 million) net in Saudi Arabia. This is an unaffordable figure for any European club.
Athletic has already made it clear that it won't exceed Nico Williams's salary, its highest-paid player. The ball is in Laporte's court. If he wants to return to Bilbao, he'll have to make a financial effort.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr wants to recover part of the €27.5 million ($27.5 million) it paid for him. They won't make things easy.
Athletic very close to finalizing his return
Everything indicates that Laporte will play at San Mamés this season and will do so as a rival of Real Madrid.
One year after Ancelotti requested him as an urgent signing, the center-back will return to LaLiga, but not to the white club. If the deal is finalized, Athletic will add experience, leadership, and authority to its defense.
Laporte, European champion with Spain, wants to feel important again and Bilbao is opening its doors to him.
All that's left is for the three parties to reach an understanding. Everything is on the right track. Madrid already had him on its radar and now will have to face him.
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