Al-Nassr’s latest acquisition saw Aymeric Laporte arrive from Manchester City, it is now clear that Athletic Bilbao were also in the race.
Aymeric Laporte departed Manchester City over the summer making the move to Saudi Arabia.
He has made an instant impact at Alawwal Park, making the defence instantly stronger and his arrival has not by coincidence resulted in an up-turn in form.
Win-less before his arrival, the entire team has seemed to benefit from his arrival with multiple wins coming as a consequence.
Little surprise, given he spent five years playing under Pep Guardiola, an experience which is invaluable in football.
But his departure wasn’t straight forward this summer with multiple options for him.
One being a return to his former club in La Liga, the club’s sporting director has revealed.
Athletic Club chief admits Laporte deal was close
Al-Nassr will be pleased to know they beat out top European competition to secure the signing of Laporte.
The Spanish international had played for Sporting Club Bilbao prior to joining Manchester City in 2018.
It was this club, who tried to resign him during the summer, only for him to instead opt for the Saudi Pro League.
This comes according to Athletic’s sporting director Mikel Gonzalez who’s words were conveyed by AS.
He said: “[Market] is small, there was a goal set some time ago and he was very close to joining, it’s true that against certain new markets it is difficult to compete and I think that we continue to have that door open for the future,”.
Continuing he admitted they fought until the end to sign Laporte but ultimately lost out to Al-Nassr.
He explained: “It’s a new scenario in football, figures that are incredible, which are difficult to reject at times. Athletic had made every effort possible and we understand the player’s decision,”.
Impressive from Al-Nassr to beat a top Spanish side to the signature of a top Spanish player.