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4w ago

Athletic Club Finalize Aymeric Laporte Return After FIFA Reversal

FIFA cleared the deal after an appeal over late paperwork.

Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Taawoun v Al Nassr - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia - January 17, 2025 Al Nassr's Aymeric Laporte celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
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Overview

  • Athletic confirmed the centre-back’s signing on Thursday on a three-year contract running through June 30, 2028.
  • FIFA had initially ruled the transfer invalid because it was not logged in the Transfer Matching System before Spain’s September 1 deadline.
  • Athletic and Laporte appealed, citing Al-Nassr’s failure to upload documents in time, and FIFA authorized the RFEF to obtain the International Transfer Certificate from Saudi authorities.
  • The move strengthens a depleted defence with Yeray Alvarez serving a 10‑month suspension and Unai Egiluz recovering from an ACL injury, with Champions League duties increasing the workload.
  • Laporte returns to his boyhood club after stints at Manchester City and Al-Nassr, with reports saying he sought a move back to Europe to bolster his Spain prospects.