Manchester City’s treble winning Spanish center-back Aymeric Laporte is all set to leave the English champions and join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, as per latest reports. Laporte moved to the Etihad Stadium from Athletic Bilbao during 2017’s January transfer window for £57 million.
He was among the very first signings of Pep Guardiola who took over as the head coach back in 2016. Having arrived mid-season, Aymeric Laporte during quickly adapted to Pep’s system and also became a key part of the team.
His addition to the club was massive to City’s success as they not only won the English Premier League but also became the first English club to attain 100 points. In short, Laporte was a Centurion in his first 5 months at the blue half of Manchester.
The 29-year-old further soldified his position in his debut full season at the club in 2018/19. That very season, Manchester City became the first club in English football’s history to win the Domestic treble – Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Aymeric Laporte other than his defensive duties, scored some important goals, most notably against Tottenham Hotspur in the 2021 Carabao Cup final. However since that season, due to his poor performances, Pep Guardiola started looking at other options to fill in for his place.
His game time was further cut short last season when Manuel Akanji arrived at Man City from Borussia Dortmund. In the Premier League last season Laporte made only 12 appearances, 21 in all competitions.
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And after City signed Croatian center-back Josko Gvardiol a month ago, Laporte’s future in the City squad came under major doubts. “Off-loading” is perhaps the best option for both of the parties and that’s when Saudi club Al-Nassr came into the scene.
According to reports Laporte has agreed on personal terms and Manchester City have accepted Al-Nassr’s €25m/$27m offer. The Spaniard will have his medical test completed by next week and will sign a 3-year deal with the Riyadh based outfit.
