Athletic Bilbao is expected to make a major signing as the transfer window draws to a close. The club is looking to bring back Aymeric Laporte, who is currently at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Laporte joined Al Nassr in 2023 after spending time at Manchester City. His contract with Al Nassr expires next year, but he looks to return to Athletic Club this summer. Laporte played for Athletic Bilbao from the start of his professional career until 2017.
COPE reports that Laporte will sign a three-year contract with Athletic Bilbao after the Spanish club finalizes the signing. The Spanish defender is 31 years old, and his last competitive match was back in April.
Athletic Bilbao only made two signings this summer after bringing in Robert Navarro from Mallorca and Jesus Areso from Osasuna.
Aymeric Laporte before returning to Athletic Bilbao
Laporte played six seasons with Athletic Bilbao and scored ten goals with the team before his move to Man City in 2017. Laporte made 222 appearances with the club and made a move to the Premier League.
He played seven seasons with Man City in the Premier League and scored a total of 12 goals in 180 appearances. He joined Al Nassr in August 2023 and made 69 appearances with the Saudi Arabian club. He scored nine goals with Al Nassr.
Laporte played 47 Saudi Pro League games across two seasons with Al Nassr and scored eight goals in the league across both seasons. His arrival at Athletic Bilbao is welcomed by many fans who believe he could give the team a boost.
Athletic Bilbao will be competing in the Champions League, and fans will welcome a former Champions League winner, as Laporte won it with Man City in 2023.