Spanish center back Aymeric Laporte has completed a move from Manchester City to Saudi side Al-Nassr, as confirmed by both clubs. The financial details of the transfer were not disclosed, but British media reports suggest that Al-Nassr paid a transfer fee of 27.5 million euros ($29.77 million) for the 29-year-old defender, who still had two years remaining on his City contract.
Laporte’s move to Al-Nassr makes him the sixth major foreign signing for the Saudi club this summer, following the arrivals of Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, Seko Fofana, and Otavio. It is worth noting that Al-Nassr also signed Cristiano Ronaldo last season.
Expressing his gratitude, Laporte stated, “I am proud to have represented Manchester City over the last six seasons… I will always be a City fan and I look forward to seeing you all again.” Laporte joined City in the January transfer window of the 2017-18 season from Athletic Bilbao and went on to become a key member of their defense, making 180 appearances for the club in all competitions.
During his time at City, Laporte achieved significant success, winning five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the Champions League. However, he faced a decline in playing time last season, with Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake being preferred options in central defense.
On Wednesday, Laporte bid farewell to the club’s fans through a social media post, expressing his gratitude for their support. Despite representing France’s youth teams, Laporte switched his allegiance to Spain in 2021 and has since earned 22 caps for the national team.
In addition to Laporte’s departure, Manchester City also saw Riyad Mahrez join the Saudi Pro League after Al-Ahli signed the Algerian winger. However, the club received positive news as Bernardo Silva, who had been linked with a move to Paris St Germain, signed a contract extension until 2026.
In summary, Aymeric Laporte has left Manchester City to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, becoming their sixth major foreign signing of the summer. Laporte expressed his pride in representing City and thanked the fans for their support. Despite his success at City, Laporte’s playing time decreased last season. Manchester City also lost Riyad Mahrez but secured Bernardo Silva’s contract extension.
