Athletic Club Submit First Offer for Al-Nassr Defender

Athletic Club Bilbao have officially submitted an opening verbal offer to Al-Nassr for the services of Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte, according to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. This marks the most concrete step yet in what has become an increasingly competitive pursuit of the 31-year-old centre-back, who is actively seeking a return to European football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Athletic Club have made a verbal offer to Al-Nassr as they push to bring Aymeric Laporte back to Spain, showing a homecoming for the defender who began his professional career with Los Leones before departing for Manchester City in January 2018 for €65 million. The Basque club, having secured fourth place in La Liga last season and Champions League qualification for 2025/26, are looking to strengthen their defensive options with proven quality.

However, Athletic Clubs face big financial challenges in their pursuit. Laporte currently earns €25m per season at Al-Nassr, but Los Leones will not pay him anywhere close to this amount. The Spanish club’s proposal involves a substantial wage reduction, with their intention being to offer him a salary lower than Nico Williams’ new contract, which reportedly sees the winger earn approximately €10 million annually.

Player’s Motivation for European Return

Laporte is reportedly looking to leave Al Nassr this summer as he wants to move back to Europe ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spain international defender is determined to maintain his place in Luis de la Fuente’s national team squad, recognizing the intense competition for defensive positions as the World Cup approaches. His stint in Saudi Arabia, while financially lucrative, has raised concerns about his visibility and match sharpness at the highest European level.

The 31-year-old, who left Bilbao in January 2018 for Manchester City in a €65 million deal, is reportedly keen to rejoin his boyhood club, with his contract in Saudi Arabia running until June 2026. This emotional connection to Athletic Club adds a sentimental dimension to the potential transfer, though financial realities may prove challenging.

Competition from Premier League Giants

Athletic Club are not alone in their interest. Chelsea have joined Manchester United in making an offer for Aymeric Laporte as he prepares to leave Al Nassr. Both Premier League clubs can offer bigger higher wages than Athletic Club, potentially creating a bidding war that could price out the Spanish side.

The interest from English football’s elite shows Laporte’s continued reputation as a world-class defender despite his time in Saudi Arabia. His experience at the highest level, including multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City and international caps with Spain, makes him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking defensive reinforcement.

Real Madrid and Other European Interest

Earlier reports showed the 31-year-old has previously hinted he was keen on a move to Real Madrid, but that did not materialise into an offer. Additionally, there have been links to other European clubs including Fenerbahçe and Atletico Madrid, indicating widespread interest in the defender’s services.

Aymeric Laporte’s current transfer value is between €10.9M and €13.4M, showing a big decrease from his peak valuation during his Manchester City days. This depreciation, combined with Al-Nassr’s reported willingness to listen to offers, could make a transfer financially viable for interested European clubs.

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The Saudi Arabian club paid Manchester City €27.5 million for Laporte’s services in 2023, and they appear open to negotiations as the player pushes for a European return.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Laporte’s future, with Athletic Club’s emotional pull competing against the financial power of Premier League clubs. The defender’s clear desire to return to Europe, combined with Al-Nassr’s apparent openness to negotiations, suggests a resolution may come soon. Athletic Club’s opening offer is an important step, but their ability to compete financially with Chelsea and Manchester United remains the primary obstacle to securing their former player’s signature.