Overview
- Barcelona abandoned efforts to sign Aymeric Laporte after Athletic Club demanded a fee far above the roughly €15 million figure Barca had expected.
- Laporte remained under contract at Athletic Club through June 2028, limiting Barcelona’s leverage and helping Athletic hold to a higher valuation.
- The Spain defender was reportedly open to a move and matched Barcelona’s need for a left‑footed centre‑back after his strong 2026 World Cup showing.
- Barça explored other left‑footed options, including Ruud Nijstad, but those alternatives also failed and the club closed the summer window without the targeted signing.
- Sporting director Deco and the squad will reassess the position in the January window while relying on existing centre‑back options for the autumn fixtures.