Athletic Bilbao trying to re-sign Laporte from Man City

Athletic Bilbao want to re-sign former defender Aymeric Laporte from Manchester City this summer, according to Relevo.

Laporte joined City in January 2018 for around £57 million, which was his release clause. The transfer was a record for City and Bilbao at the time.

He helped the Cityzens win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup in his first season. He has since picked up four more league titles, two more League Cups and another FA Cup.

Laporte helped the club win the Champions League last season. However, his time at City is ending with only two years left on his deal.

Injuries have not helped Laporte during his time at the Etihad Stadium. He has suffered numerous injury setbacks that have hampered his contribution to Pep Guardiola’s side.

City have several top options at the back including Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Manuel Akanji.

Laporte will now consider a return to Spain to Athletic, whose academy he came through.

He could replace Inigo Martinez, who has joined Barcelona on a free transfer. Martinez was Athletic’s replacement immediately after selling Laporte to City. 

Athletic will take their time with the deal for the 29-year-old as they have several areas to cover.

They must consider the sporting and economic departments before the emotional aspect they will need to convince him to return.

City and Guardiola never hold back players that what to leave and will let the defender go. They are already targeting Josko Gvardiol to replace him.