Athletic Club set €80m Aymeric Laporte price as Barcelona weigh defensive move

Javier Clemente has advised against Aymeric Laporte joining Barcelona, insisting the defender remains indispensable to Athletic Club after returning to the Basque side from Al-Nassr last summer.

Laporte has been linked with a move to Barcelona as the Catalan club considers how to strengthen its defence following the departure of Ronald Araujo. Despite already having four central defenders, sporting director Deco is examining several possibilities and has identified Laporte and Romero among the leading options.

Clemente, who previously managed both Spain and Athletic Club, has dismissed the prospect of Laporte leaving the club this summer. His comments were published by Sport after an interview with EREM News.

“I am against Laporte joining Barcelona,” Clemente said.

“Laporte is a great player, but I do not think he will move to Barcelona because he only recently joined Athletic Club from Al-Nassr.”

The former Spain manager believes Laporte’s recent return to Athletic Club makes a transfer unlikely, particularly with the new season approaching. He also expressed his opposition to any departures from the club’s current squad at this stage of the summer.

“Laporte is indispensable to the plans of the Basque club, and I am against him moving to Barcelona, as well as against any player leaving Athletic Club’s current squad just a few days before the season begins,” Clemente added.

Athletic Club are reportedly demanding €80m before they would consider allowing the centre-back to leave. Laporte rejoined the club last summer after his spell with Al-Nassr and is viewed as an important part of Ernesto Valverde’s team.

Barcelona’s interest comes as the club reviews its defensive structure. Alongside its existing four defenders, the club could also promote Alvaro Cortes to the first team, but Deco is continuing to assess external options.

Romero is another name being considered, while Laporte’s experience has made him an attractive candidate. The defender also featured for Spain at the World Cup, where he formed a central defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi.

However, Clemente’s intervention underlines the difficulty Barcelona could face in trying to complete the deal. Athletic Club’s reported €80m valuation, Laporte’s importance to the squad and the timing of any potential move could all prove significant obstacles as the start of the season draws closer.