Aymeric Laporte’s time at Manchester City may not last long, as his move away from the club now appears imminent. The former France international has been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City after the club splashed a record fee for defender Jasko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
With the arrival of Gvardiol, Laporte has now fallen further down the pecking order behind Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and John Stones. With Laporte’s limited role heading into the new season, it’s fair to say that moving away from the club is probably the best decision for his career.
Al Nassr rope in Aymeric Laporte from City
Aymeric Laporte is on the verge of joining Cristino Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League as the Saudi club reached an agreement with Manchester City a few days ago, as per a report from Fabrizio Romano. According to the famous Italian journalist, the Saudi club will pay over $35 million to Manchester City for the Spain international, with the player expected to pocket a salary in the region of $20 million per season.
Aymeric Laporte to Al Nassr, here we go! Agreement reached also on player side — salary in excess of $20m, medical booked 🚨🟡🔵🇸🇦 #AlNassr
Laporte will sign until June 2026.
Man City to receive package close to €30m.
🇵🇹🇪🇸 Otávio and Laporte will join Al Nassr next week. pic.twitter.com/aMKIEgX9PM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2023
The Saudi Pro League has been the go-to league for many elite footballers in recent months, with several high-profile players joining clubs in the Gulf region. The league is now home to some of the world’s best players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Ruben Neves, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Jordan Henderson, to name a few.
After winning the Arab Champions Cup, courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace in the final, Al Nassr started the season very poorly, losing two of their opening games, although Cristiano Ronaldo missed both matches due to injury. Laporte will join a team of seasoned internationals like Brozovic, Alex Telles, Sadio Mane, and Sesko Fofana.
Ronaldo set to be joined by Portuguese midfielder Otavio
Aymeric Laporte does not seem to be the only player Al Nassr is hoping to unveil soon. The Saudi club agreed on a deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo’s international teammate Otavio, to the Middle East to bolster their attacking options. The winger has been a great asset for FC Porto, which could’ve prompted Al Nassr to make a move for the 28-year-old.
Otávio to Al Nassr, here we go! Verbal agreement reached on €60m release clause fee value 🟡🔵🇸🇦
Al Nassr to pay €60m package not in one solution but different installments; waiting to check details on contracts then time for travel and medical.
It’s record sale for FC Porto. pic.twitter.com/NHBs85QYyb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2023
Al Nassr’s attack should now be one of the deadliest in the Saudi Pro League, with Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Cristiano Ronaldo forming an attacking trio that could dominate the league and compete for the domestic title.
Will Al Nassr make more signings before the end of the transfer window? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section.
