Central defender search
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Real Madrid’s defense is struggling after Éder Militão (26) tore his cruciate ligament. Aymeric Laporte (30) is one of the names that is being traded as an entry during the winter transfer window – the professional from Al-Nassr commented on the rumors in an interview with “Cadena Ser”. If the Royals contacted him, “I would of course listen to it. You can’t ignore clubs like that,” said the Spanish European champion, who moved from Manchester City to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Despite his transfer to the Saudi Pro League, the central defender was set to win the European Championship in Germany. After the triple in the 2022/23 season, the French native said goodbye to Europe and signed a high-paying contract that is valid until 2026. “I don’t let other people’s opinions influence me when I make important decisions in my life,” said Laporte about his move. “For me it’s just about playing football and doing my best.” He celebrated the greatest success of his career, even though he plays for Al-Nassr.
According to Spanish media reports, this transfer would cost the Royals around 30 million euros – Al-Nassr paid 27.5 million euros. “It feels good to see the rumors. I’m not very informed about it, but it’s nice.” If the transfer goes ahead, the transfer fee paid for Laporte would rise to 122.5 million euros – so far only one central defender has received more money: the three changes from Matthijs de Ligt (25) cost a total of 197.5 million euros.
Bad luck with injuries at Reals Madrid – Laporte wants to return to Europe
In addition to Militão, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad also misses David Alaba, who has been suffering from a torn cruciate ligament for almost a year, as well as right-back Daniel Carvajal and his substitute Lucas Vázquez. To make matters worse, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was able to help out in the center of the defence, is also out.
To return to Europe, Laporte would probably have to accept a salary cut, but a move would also bring other advantages: “My plan is to return. My whole family is in Europe.” Whether Laporte’s time in Saudi Arabia will come to an end after around 16 months will be decided in the coming weeks.
About life in the desert state he says: “It is a different culture and we can more or less agree with it (…) There is still a lot to improve, but there are also many positive aspects and a few points to be discussed worth talking about.”
Jonathan Tah (28), whose contract with Bayer Leverkusen ends in the summer of 2025, as well as Mario Hermoso (29, Roma) and Castello Lukeba (21, Leipzig) were recently considered as further candidates for the Royal team’s central defense.
