Suadi Pro League club, Al Nassr, completed the signing of Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte earlier today, August 24, 2023.
Al Nassr paid the sum of 27.5 million euros to Manchester City to make Aymeric Laporte the latest A-list signing from a top European club this summer. He signed a three-year deal with the Saudi side which will keep him in the Middle East until June 30, 2026.
Recall that Athletic Bilbao sold the 29-year-old to City in January 2018 for a then-club-record £57 million.
Laporte assisted City in winning 12 major titles in over five years and played just 24 games last season as the club won the historic treble – Premier League, FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Before his importance at the club declined drastically especially last season, the Spanish footballer played 180 times for City, scoring 12 goals.
Last season, coach Pep Guardiola decided to play defenders Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake ahead of him, and the arrival of £77 million Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol earlier this month means Aymeric Laporte stands no choice of playing regularly.
Hence, when the opportunity came to move to the money-spinning Saudi Pro League this summer, the French-born Spanish defender grabbed it with both hands.
“It has lasted five-and-a-half unforgettable years. Plenty of memories that I will keep forever close to my heart,” said Aymeric Laporte.
“From trophies to setbacks, victories to injuries, it’s all been part of my journey, and I’m grateful for absolutely every moment that shaped me into who I am today.
“It was an honour and a pleasure to wear these colours and I hope you will remember me in a good way. I will always be a City fan and I look forward to seeing you all again.”
