Laporte Twice as Expensive. Barça’S Bargain Didn’T Last Long

Barcelona saw reports of Aymeric Laporte’s release clause being set at €12–15 million and immediately discovered a new “market opportunity”. The problem is that, according to SPORT, sources inside Athletic say the actual figure is nearly twice as high. Deco had just enough time to make initial contact, but the price escaped him faster than the club managed to sell a single player.

Laporte formed Spain’s centre-back partnership with Pau Cubarsí as the national team conceded only one goal throughout the entire World Cup. Barça would like to recreate that partnership at club level, even though Hansi Flick already has five players capable of operating in central defence. Someone must leave first, but at Barcelona buyers are easiest to find when their names only need to be included in a press release.

Athletic have no intention of helping the Catalans. After the Nico Williams saga, people in Bilbao still remember what Barcelona’s interest looks like. They therefore refuse to negotiate and are pointing Deco directly towards the release clause. Laporte, who is under contract until 2028, also expects the two clubs to reach an agreement.

Around €30 million for a 32-year-old defender is no longer a bargain, but another “strategic move”. For now, the only confirmed transfer is Laporte’s move from the list of opportunities to the list of dreams.