Barcelona have been told they would need to pay €80m to sign Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Club, despite sporting director Deco making an official enquiry about the Spain international.
Laporte has become the subject of renewed transfer speculation after producing a series of impressive performances at the World Cup, where he formed an assured defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Deco asked about Laporte’s situation during the tournament and personally attended more than one of the defender’s matches.
Athletic Club’s response was unequivocal. The Basque club consider €80m to be the minimum required to sanction a transfer and remain convinced of Laporte’s importance to the team.
That stance also reflects the effort Laporte made to return to Athletic Club last summer, having previously begun his professional career with the club. Athletic Club do not intend to allow him to leave for less than the stated fee.
Laporte ended his association with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in the summer of 2025, but FIFA initially ruled that the procedures for his transfer had not been completed within the required timeframe. As a result, the defender’s international transfer certificate was delayed.
Athletic Club and the Spanish Football Federation appealed against that decision. Their appeal was successful, with the original ruling overturned and Laporte eventually able to return to the Basque club after eight years away.
Since making his Spain debut, Laporte has remained an important part of the national team whenever he has been physically available. He held that status under former manager Luis Enrique and has continued to feature prominently under current coach Luis de la Fuente.
There had been criticism over whether Laporte deserved to be selected for the World Cup, but his performances during the competition answered many of those doubts and helped silence his critics.
Laporte has also been linked again with Real Madrid in recent reports. However, Barcelona are the club known to have made a formal enquiry through Deco, although their interest has not altered Athletic Club’s position on the player’s valuation.
The defender still has two years remaining on his Athletic Club contract. He has made 54 appearances for Spain since the 2021 European Championship, further underlining his experience at international level.
For Barcelona, any move would therefore require a significant financial commitment. Athletic Club’s valuation, combined with Laporte’s remaining contract and his importance to both club and country, means the Catalan side face a difficult decision if they wish to pursue the defender.
