FC Barcelona are courting Spain World Cup winner Aymeric Laporte, threatening to ignite fresh hostility with La Liga rivals Athletic Club. The news follows a bitter two-year transfer saga involving winger Nico Williams, who ultimately extended his stay in Bilbao until 2035.
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Subscribe Sekarang →According to reports from SPORT, Barcelona made contact with Laporte's representatives to evaluate a potential deal. The Catalan side views the left-footed defender as an ideal leader alongside youngster Pau Cubarsi. Laporte features an attractive release clause estimated at 12.5 million euros.
Athletic re-signed the central defender from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr last summer for 10 million euros. Based on internal club sources, Bilbao officials feel frustrated by Barcelona's interest. The Basque side recently appointed former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic as head coach.
"I don't think this is a new story, perhaps just with a different name," Terzic said earlier this week, referencing Barcelona's past recruitment tactics.
Bilbao officials remain wary after Laporte activated his release clause to join Manchester City in January 2018. However, people close to the player suggest he remains content in Bilbao due to family reasons. Barcelona continue to assess the move cautiously before advancing negotiations.