Aymeric Laporte, 32-year-old Atletic Bilbao’s centrekeeper, has confirmed that Barcelona had shown interest in his transfer during the passing summer deadline, but that the Bask club’s refusal caused his departure to fail.
In an interview with the newspaper La Vanguardia, the Spanish propretator has not ruled out the possibility that one day he will be playing on properlyCamp Nou, although he acknowledged that age could make such a move difficult in the future.
Barcelona’s interest in Laporten was related to the search for a centre on the left foot for Coach Hansie Flick’s department.
Sports Director Deco had praised the possibility of his transfer during the planning of recent mercatos, but Athletic Bilbao was not ready to negotiate the removal of one of his defenders.
Already, football’s own statements have restored his name to the transfer scene.
Laporte confirmed that the interest by Barcelona had existed, but explained that the Athletic Bilbaos position was crucial for the agreement not to be realised.
The Bask club did not plan to lose the Spanish frontist during the summer and eventually blocked any possibility of reaching an agreement.
However, the quarterback did not fully rule out the possibility of moving to the future giant Catalunas. Asked whether this opportunity was finally closed, he hinted that things could change, but acknowledged that the passage of time is not in his favor.
Even the contractual situation of Laporte makes a possible move difficult. The defender returned to the Athletic Bilbao in September 2025, following his adventure in Saudi Arabia, and contracting with the club until June 2028.
That means Barcelona would have to negotiate with the Bask club to secure its service before the contract ends. /Telegraph/