Aymeric Laporte’s time at Manchester City is drawing to a close as the club accepts an undisclosed bid from Al-Nassr. The Spanish defender is on the brink of joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, City is also ramping up negotiations for Lucas Paqueta.

 

The Saudi Pro League outfit, Al-Nassr, has acted swiftly to secure Laporte’s services, adding him to their star-studded lineup that already features Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles. Despite being part of the Manchester City squad for Wednesday’s Super Cup final against Sevilla in Athens, Laporte’s departure seems imminent.

 

Last season saw Laporte facing limited playing time, primarily due to Nathan Ake’s strong performances, prompting his willingness to explore the Al-Nassr opportunity. The 29-year-old defender played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success under Pep Guardiola, contributing significantly to all five Premier League titles since his arrival from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018.

With the recent addition of RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol to the defensive roster, Laporte’s departure has been anticipated. Guardiola remains focused on strengthening the squad, aiming for two more signings to bolster central midfield and widen the team’s options.

 

Rennes’ Jeremy Doku is a potential target for City, as he seeks a move before the transfer window’s closure. However, the realization of the transfer depends on both clubs agreeing on a transfer fee.

Negotiations with West Ham United over Lucas Paqueta also continue, gaining more significance after Kevin De Bruyne’s hamstring injury. City aims to secure the Brazilian’s services, even though current valuations stand at a considerable distance apart.

 

As Manchester City readies itself for a new season, the departure of Aymeric Laporte signifies a changing landscape, with incoming talents expected to fill the void and contribute to the team’s continued success.