Spanish Media: Spanish Champion Defender Laporte Seeks Termination of Contract with Al-Nassr; Ancelotti Gives Green Light for His Arrival

According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Spanish champion defender Aymeric Laporte has recently become a major topic in the transfer market. The 30-year-old defender, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Nassr, has expressed a strong desire to leave and return to European football by joining La Liga giants Real Madrid. Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has shown an open attitude towards this potential transfer but requires that Laporte must join on a free transfer.

Laporte transferred from Premier League side Manchester City to Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023 for a hefty fee of 27.5 million euros. In his first season in Saudi Arabia, Laporte performed exceptionally well, making 37 appearances, scoring four goals, and providing one assist. This performance also earned him a spot in the Euro Cup squad, becoming part of Spain’s championship-winning team.

After Varane’s transfer to Manchester United, Real Madrid had no plans to bring in a defender, but they are open to Laporte’s arrival. However, the club’s management emphasized that any new signing must adhere to cost-effectiveness principles. This means that if Laporte wants to wear the Real Madrid jersey, he must join on a free transfer, which entails terminating his contract with Al-Nassr.

For Laporte, joining Real Madrid not only signifies a new professional challenge but also a significant financial sacrifice. His annual salary at Al-Nassr is as high as 24 million euros, and at Real Madrid, he is willing to accept a significant pay cut. Additionally, he would need to forego the remaining 48 million euros owed to him under his current contract.

Although Laporte himself is eager for the transfer and Ancelotti welcomes his arrival, everything depends on whether Al-Nassr is willing to let him go. Laporte is currently enjoying his vacation after national team matches, while Al-Nassr is conducting their pre-season training in Portugal. In the coming days, there may be new developments in this transfer saga.