Aymeric Laporte Joins Saudi Arabia Pro-League from Man City



by ZAIN UL ABEDIN

Aymeric Laporte Joins Saudi Arabia Pro-League from Man City
Aymeric Laporte Joins Saudi Arabia Pro-League from Man City © Michael Regan/Getty Image Sport

In a significant development on the football transfer front, Aymeric Laporte, the seasoned center-back, has finalized his move from Manchester City to Al-Nassr for a staggering £23.5 million. This momentous shift marks the end of his association with the Etihad Stadium after a commendable tenure of five-and-a-half seasons.

Notably, this move has propelled Manchester City's summer transfer earnings to well over £100 million. As the summer transfer window unfolds, Manchester City has orchestrated a series of impactful moves. Among the notable departures, Riyad Mahrez has also joined the ranks of the Saudi Pro-League, solidifying the league's appeal for international talent.

Furthermore, the club bid adieu to promising talents including James Trafford (transferred to Burnley), Carlos Borges (acquired by Ajax), and Shea Charles (secured by Southampton). The club's acumen for shrewd negotiations has been evident in their strategic approach, leveraging sell-on clauses effectively, most notably during Romeo Lavia's transition to Chelsea and Pedro Porro's move to Tottenham.

Laporte's Struggle for Playing Time

Laporte's journey with Manchester City had taken a challenging turn in the previous season as he found himself on the fringes of Pep Guardiola's lineup. With a mere 12 Premier League appearances to his name, Laporte expressed his desire for more consistent playing time after the FA Cup final.

The arrival of Josko Gvardiol, in a notable £77 million signing, further relegated Laporte to the sixth-choice center-back position. Laporte's legacy at Manchester City is marked by his contributions on and off the field.

His inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year in the 2018-19 season underscored his prowess as a defender. Over his tenure, he managed to find the back of the net 12 times in 180 appearances, an impressive feat for a defender. His journey was highlighted by clinching five Premier League titles and a historic Champions League victory, all following his substantial £57 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao.

In his next chapter, Laporte will be donning the jersey of Al-Nassr, rubbing shoulders with football luminaries including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Marcelo Brozovic. As the football landscape continues to witness these high-profile shifts, the impact of Laporte's move resonates not only in the context of his personal journey but also in the broader dynamics of international football.