Athletic Club star calls on club to wrap up Aymeric Laporte return

Athletic Club are hoping to complete one more signing before the transfer window closes as they chase down Aymeric Laporte.

The Basque giants have been aiming to re-sign the 31-year-old for much of the transfer window, and they are about to get their man, if the final details can be resolved.

Previous reports have indicated Laporte agreed personal terms with Athletic Club, whom he originally left in 2018 to join Manchester City.

Negotiations with Al-Nassr over terminating his contract are ongoing although a final decision had been delayed in Saudi Arabia.

As per Marca, Al-Nassr officials delayed fresh talks with Laporte until after their Saudi Super Cup final defeat to Al-Ahli last weekend, with the Spain international not involved in the squad.

The existing plan remains in place for Laporte to fly to Bilbao this weekend to undergo medical examinations. After this, he will be able to sign a three-year contract back at his boyhood club, to complete a sensational homecoming.

The push to ‘bring Laporte home’ has been stepped up as head coach Ernesto Valverde only has Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes as available centre-back options, with Yeray Alvarez suspended due to a failed doping test and Unai Eguiluz out for the foreseeable future with an ACL injury.

Dani Vivian backs Athletic Club move for Laporte

Vivian has now leant his support to the move, with Laporte either partnering him or replacing him at the heart of Valverde’s defence if a deal can be wrapped up.

“He would definitely be competition for me. We’ve talked a lot, hopefully it can happen. Anything that raises the level and competition will get us where we want to be,” as per Mundo Deportivo.

Athletic Club face a demanding few months ahead, after returning to the UEFA Champions League this season, and Laporte’s experience could be invaluable as he looks to secure a 2026 FIFA World Cup spot with Spain.