Aymeric Laporte Stuck in Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr Block Athletic Club Return
Aymeric Laporte’s much-anticipated return to Athletic Club has hit a frustrating roadblock, with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr refusing to sanction the move despite earlier signals that the defender’s time in Riyadh was over. What seemed like a straightforward homecoming for the Spanish international has now turned into a tense stand-off — and it all comes down to money.
Aymeric Laporte’s Athletic Club Move Stalled by €25m Dispute
Just days ago, Al-Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho and manager Jorge Jesus made it publicly clear: Laporte was not part of their plans for the new season. Both the club and the player appeared to be on the same page — it was time to move on. Athletic Club had already positioned themselves as the favourites to bring him back to San Mamés, where he enjoyed six highly successful years before his 2018 move to Manchester City.
However, behind the scenes, the negotiations have been anything but smooth. According to Marca, Laporte had requested a termination of his Al-Nassr contract, a move that would have allowed him to join Athletic on a free transfer. This, unsurprisingly, did not sit well with the Saudi club’s hierarchy. For them, letting go of a high-profile player for nothing — especially one they invested heavily in — was not an option.
The sticking point? His salary. Laporte’s current deal is worth a staggering €25 million (£22m/$29m) per season, and Al-Nassr are reluctant to simply rip up a contract of that magnitude without compensation. From their perspective, Athletic should either pay up or forget about getting their man.
A Summer Negotiation Turning into a Standoff
Athletic Club have spent the past week working tirelessly to broker a deal. They were hoping to finalise Laporte’s signing while the player was vacationing in Portugal, but progress has been slow and frustrating. The Basque side know exactly what Laporte could bring to their defence — experience, composure, and a strong understanding of the club’s culture. But they are unwilling to meet the enormous financial demands tied to his Al-Nassr exit.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that Al-Nassr have now hinted at keeping Laporte for the AFC Champions League 2, along with fellow unsettled star Otavio. The reasoning here is partly strategic: if they fail to register either player and then choose not to use them, they could face sanctions from FIFA. By fielding both, they avoid regulatory trouble — but it also means Laporte’s escape route gets narrower by the day.
Why This Move Matters for Laporte’s Career
For Laporte, the situation is about much more than club football. His eyes are firmly set on the 2026 World Cup, and he knows that regular, competitive minutes are essential if he’s to make Spain’s squad. Staying at Al-Nassr would almost certainly limit him to just a handful of appearances, mostly in continental competition. That’s hardly the platform from which to convince national team coach Luis de la Fuente that he deserves a spot on the plane to North America.
Returning to Athletic would give him exactly what he needs: a prominent role in a top European league, in an environment where he has already thrived. His time in Bilbao between 2012 and 2018 saw him rack up 222 appearances — more than he has made for any other club. Those years helped him develop into one of Europe’s most reliable defenders, eventually leading to his big-money move to Manchester City.
The Athletic Club Connection
Athletic’s pursuit of Laporte is not just about filling a gap in their defence; it’s about reconnecting with a player who embodies the club’s identity. In Bilbao, Laporte was more than just a regular starter — he was a pillar in a side that consistently punched above its weight in La Liga and in Europe. The fans loved his commitment, his calmness on the ball, and his ability to step up in big matches.
It’s little wonder they’re eager to welcome him back. His leadership and experience could be vital for a side that continues to blend homegrown talent with seasoned professionals. For Laporte, the attraction is mutual. He has always spoken fondly of his time at San Mamés and has made no secret of his desire to return one day. The only problem is that “one day” was supposed to be now — and Al-Nassr have other ideas.
The Money Factor
From a financial perspective, the situation is tricky. Athletic have never been a club known for splashing huge amounts on transfers, and Laporte’s wages in Saudi Arabia are far beyond their normal salary structure. That means any deal would require significant compromise. Either Al-Nassr would have to lower their demands, Laporte would need to accept a substantial pay cut, or some creative payment structure would have to be put in place.
Given the player’s desire to leave, it’s possible that all parties could eventually find a middle ground. But for now, each side is holding firm. Athletic want him, Laporte wants to go, and Al-Nassr want to get their money’s worth.
What Happens Next?
Al Shabab v Al Nassr: Saudi Pro League Laporte
In transfer sagas like this, time can either be an enemy or an ally. With the new season approaching, Athletic will be hoping that Al-Nassr’s resolve softens and that they realise keeping an unhappy player is rarely a good idea. Laporte, for his part, will need to keep himself fit and ready, because if the move happens late in the window, he’ll be expected to hit the ground running.
One thing is certain: the longer this stand-off continues, the more pressure will build — on Al-Nassr to justify their stance, on Athletic to push harder, and on Laporte to make his next career decision count.
For now, the Spanish defender remains in limbo, a high-profile star stranded in Saudi Arabia, waiting for the green light to return to the club that shaped him. And until that happens, the headlines will keep writing themselves.
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!