In a surprising turn of events, Aymeric Laporte, one of the highest-paid defenders in world football, is set to be released from his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr—one year before its official end. The Spanish international, who joined the club in 2023, is walking away from a staggering £390,000-a-week deal.
Laporte’s arrival in Riyadh was a major move at the time. After a successful stint at Manchester City—where he won the Champions League, five Premier League titles, and multiple domestic trophies—many saw him as a cornerstone of Al-Nassr’s ambitions to become a powerhouse in the Middle East. However, things didn’t go quite as planned.
Reports suggest that tension between Laporte and manager Stefano Pioli, as well as his exclusion from the squad for the Asian Champions League semi-final, played a significant role in the breakdown of their relationship. Off the pitch, Laporte reportedly found it hard to settle in Riyadh, even mentioning dissatisfaction with the city’s traffic and lifestyle.
Despite being just 30 and still performing at a high level, Laporte seems eager to move on, prioritizing personal contentment over financial gain. With his contract now set to be terminated early, he becomes a high-profile free agent. Clubs across Europe are already expressing interest, including Marseille and long-time admirers Real Madrid.
Laporte’s next move will be closely watched.
Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.
