Aymeric Laporte Eyes Emotional Return as Al-Nassr Rebuild Under Jorge Jesus

Al-Nassr Set to Part Ways With Laporte as Spaniard Plots Athletic Club Comeback

Aymeric Laporte’s Saudi Arabian adventure looks to be drawing to a close. The 31-year-old centre-back, who swapped the Premier League spotlight at Manchester City for the golden sands of Al-Nassr just last year, is now being strongly linked with a return to his former club, Athletic Club.

Laporte, one of the marquee European arrivals during the early wave of Saudi Pro League investment alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, has been a regular presence in Al-Nassr’s backline. But with changes sweeping through the club under new manager Jorge Jesus, his time in Riyadh may already be up.

Jorge Jesus Rings the Changes at Al-Nassr

Jorge Jesus, who arrived earlier this summer following a successful stint at Al-Hilal, has wasted no time in stamping his authority on Al-Nassr. The Portuguese tactician is known for his strict tactical approach and preference for players who can execute his system to the letter.

Unfortunately for Laporte, it seems he no longer fits into that blueprint.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER reports that Laporte is not part of Jesus’ plans for the upcoming season, with the manager keen to rejuvenate the squad in key areas. Jesus is reportedly prioritising the arrival of a new central midfielder and an attacking playmaker to breathe fresh life into the team’s spine.

And in defence, the new boss has already acted.

David Hancko In, Aymeric Laporte Out?

Laporte

Al-Nassr have moved swiftly to replace Laporte with a new defensive signing: David Hancko. The Slovakian international joins from Feyenoord in a deal worth €33 million, and will now fill the role vacated by Laporte at the heart of the defence. Hancko has signed a contract that ties him to the club until 2028 — a clear sign of the club’s long-term vision.

Hancko’s arrival all but confirms that Laporte’s time is up. However, it won’t be straightforward to prise the Spain international away from the Saudi giants. Al-Nassr are reportedly playing hardball, unwilling to let a high-profile player go on the cheap despite having sidelined him from their future plans.

Homeward Bound: Athletic Club Want Their Man Back

For Laporte, though, the solution may lie back where it all began. Athletic Club, the team that gave him his big break in senior football, have opened negotiations with Al-Nassr over a potential transfer. The Basque outfit are eager to bring their former star home as they look to strengthen their own squad ahead of the new La Liga season.

Laporte spent over six years at Athletic before moving to Manchester City in January 2018. During his time in Bilbao, he earned a reputation as one of Spain’s brightest young defenders. Now in the latter stages of his career, a return to familiar surroundings — and to the fanbase that once adored him — could offer the perfect setting for a career revival.

However, finances could prove a stumbling block. Laporte’s current wages at Al-Nassr are believed to be substantial, and Athletic, who operate on a more modest budget, may need the player to make a financial sacrifice in order to push the deal over the line.

Al-Nassr’s Project at a Crossroads

Luis Diaz Liverpool 2025

Laporte’s situation reflects a broader story playing out at Al-Nassr. Despite the fanfare and heavy investment of recent years — particularly the headline-grabbing arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo — the club has yet to dominate either domestically or continentally.

Ronaldo, now 40, has been outspoken about the need for more reinforcements and has reportedly had several discussions with Jesus regarding the direction of the team. The Portuguese superstar is desperate to win silverware during what may be the final chapter of his glittering career and wants to see more ambition from those around him.

One of the names reportedly discussed is Liverpool’s Luis Díaz. The Colombian winger is admired by Ronaldo and fits the bill as the type of dynamic attacker who could help elevate Al-Nassr to the next level. However, Díaz is a player in high demand, with Bayern Munich also said to be monitoring his situation closely.

Whether or not Al-Nassr can lure such high-profile names in remains to be seen. But it’s clear that major changes are on the horizon under Jesus — and Laporte appears to be one of the first big names sacrificed in pursuit of a new vision.

What’s Next for Laporte?

At 31, Aymeric Laporte still has plenty to offer at the highest level. His time at Manchester City saw him win multiple Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, and he has the experience and leadership qualities that would benefit any dressing room.

A return to Athletic Club could help him rediscover his best form and re-establish himself within the Spanish football scene. With Euro 2028 on the distant horizon, Laporte may also be eyeing a spot in the national team if he can secure regular minutes and strong performances back in La Liga.

That said, negotiations won’t be easy. Al-Nassr won’t let him leave for a cut-price deal, and Laporte may have to decide whether returning to his roots is worth the financial hit. But for a player who’s already conquered England and explored the riches of the Middle East, the pull of home may prove too strong to resist.