- Laporte terminated his Al-Nassr contract
- Athletic failed to complete the deal before deadline day
- Spaniard will sign a three-year contract
According to Estadio Deportivo Laporte is on the verge of sealing a free transfer back to Athletic Club after terminating his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The Spain international had pushed for a move throughout the summer, but the Basque club were unable to finalise the deal before the transfer window shut. Despite that, the defender’s free-agent status now allows him to rejoin outside the market, with a three-year contract already lined up.
La Liga themselves have already listed Laporte’s return to Athletic as “done” in their official review of the transfer window, highlighting how close the deal is to being completed. The 31-year-old’s arrival will strengthen Ernesto Valverde’s defensive options, which have been hit hard by injuries to Yeray and Egiluz. Having finished fourth in La Liga last season and secured a Champions League spot, the Lions are keen to add experience and quality at the back to sustain their momentum.
Laporte came through Athletic’s academy before making a big-money move to City in 2018, where he won multiple Premier League titles. After five years in England, he joined Al-Nassr in 2023 but quickly became unsettled. His determination to return to Bilbao saw him end his contract in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for a free transfer. With La Liga’s salary cap rules in order, all that remains is the paperwork approval from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to register him officially.
Athletic are expected to confirm Laporte’s arrival in the coming days, once the registration process is complete. Valverde will then be able to integrate him into the squad ahead of their Champions League campaign. The defender’s experience at the highest level could prove crucial as the Basque giants look to compete on multiple fronts this season.
