Athletic Club Finally Confirms Aymeric Laporte’s Return After FIFA Approval

The long-awaited transfer saga has reached its conclusion as Aymeric Laporte officially completes his emotional return to Athletic Club, bringing an end to one of the summer’s most complicated transfer stories. FIFA has finally authorized the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain the International Transfer Certificate from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, clearing the path for the Spanish defender’s registration with his former club.

Athletic Club confirmed the breakthrough in an official statement: “FIFA grants authorization to request the player’s ITC” . This development allows Aymeric Laporte to be officially registered with Athletic Club, marking the successful conclusion of a transfer that seemed doomed just weeks ago.

The Complex Transfer Timeline: From Agreement to Authorization

The journey back to San Mamés has been anything but straightforward for Aymeric Laporte. What should have been a simple homecoming transformed into a bureaucratic nightmare that tested the patience of all parties involved.

Transfer Timeline and Key Events

The initial setback on September 3rd appeared to spell disaster for the transfer, with Athletic Club releasing a statement confirming FIFA’s rejection. However, the Basque club remained committed to exploring “all possibilities within the existing legal framework” to secure their former player’s services.

Al Nassr Chapter: From Saudi Success to European Yearning

Aymeric Laporte’s tenure at Al Nassr represented a lucrative but ultimately unfulfilling period in his career. The 31-year-old defender joined the Saudi Pro League club in August 2023 for £23.6 million from Manchester City, becoming part of the high-profile influx of European talent to the Middle Eastern league.

Despite the financial rewards, Aymeric Laporte found himself increasingly marginalized under new management. Reports emerged that he hadn’t participated in an official match since April 30, 2025, and was excluded from Al Nassr’s lineup for both the Arab Super Cup semifinals and finals in Hong Kong.

Al Nassr Statistics and Performance

The relationship between Aymeric Laporte and Al Nassr deteriorated significantly when coach Jorge Jesús decided the defender wouldn’t continue with the club. The Saudi outfit reportedly considered registering him only for the AFC Champions League 2 to avoid FIFA sanctions, while threatening to keep him for a full year on his €25 million salary while excluding him from most tournaments.

Athletic Club’s Defensive Crisis: The Urgent Need for Reinforcement

Athletic Club’s pursuit of Aymeric Laporte wasn’t merely sentimental—it addressed a genuine crisis in their defensive ranks. Manager Ernesto Valverde found himself with just two senior central defenders available: Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes.

The defensive shortage stemmed from multiple unfortunate circumstances. Yeray Álvarez remains suspended during an ongoing UEFA doping investigation, while Unai Egiluz faces a lengthy recovery period from a cruciate ligament injury. This shortage made Aymeric Laporte’s acquisition absolutely critical for Athletic Club’s immediate and long-term prospects.

Athletic Club’s desperation for defensive reinforcement was evident in their willingness to pursue the complex transfer despite the bureaucratic obstacles. The club crafted a personalized integration plan for Aymeric Laporte, recognizing that his preseason with Al Nassr was incomplete and he required specific preparation to quickly adapt to European football’s demands.

The Emotional Homecoming: Laporte’s Unwavering Loyalty

Throughout the transfer saga, Aymeric Laporte demonstrated remarkable loyalty to Athletic Club, reportedly rejecting approaches from over five European clubs to prioritize his return to Bilbao. His commitment to the Basque club reflected the deep emotional connection he maintains with the organization that developed him as a professional footballer.

Born in Agen, France, Aymeric Laporte joined Athletic Club’s youth setup in 2010 at age 16, becoming only the second French-born player after Bixente Lizarazu to represent the club. His Basque heritage through his great-grandparents satisfied the club’s unique player policy, though his signing initially sparked local debate about the criteria’s interpretation.

Laporte’s Athletic Club Legacy (2010-2018)

His previous stint at San Mamés established him as one of Europe’s most promising defenders, earning recognition in the 2013-14 La Liga Team of the Year and playing a crucial role in Athletic Club’s 2015 Supercopa de España triumph—their first silverware in 31 years.

Financial Implications and Contract Details

The financial structure of Aymeric Laporte’s return to Athletic Club represents a significant commitment from the Basque organization. Reports suggest he has signed a contract running until 2028, providing long-term stability for both player and club.

Unlike his original departure in 2018, when Manchester City paid his €65 million release clause, this transfer comes as a free agent signing following his contract termination with Al Nassr. This arrangement allows Athletic Club to invest their resources in wages rather than transfer fees, potentially making Aymeric Laporte one of their highest-paid players.

The absence of transfer fees also means that if the deal had ultimately failed, Athletic Club would have faced no financial consequences, as stipulated in their original agreements with both Al Nassr and the player.

Tactical Impact and Integration Challenges

Aymeric Laporte’s return provides Athletic Club with immediate defensive stability and vast experience at the highest levels of European football. His leadership qualities, developed through campaigns with Manchester City in the Premier League and Champions League, offer invaluable guidance for younger defenders like Dani Vivian.

However, significant integration challenges remain. Aymeric Laporte’s lack of competitive action since April means he requires intensive preparation to reach match fitness. Athletic Club has reportedly developed a specialized training program to accelerate his adaptation to European football’s intensity after his Saudi Arabian hiatus.

His registration timing also affects Athletic Club’s European ambitions. Even with successful registration, Aymeric Laporte cannot participate in this season’s Champions League, as he wasn’t included in their squad list for the competition’s league phase.

Broader Implications for European Football

Aymeric Laporte’s successful return from Saudi Arabia represents a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between European and Middle Eastern football. His case demonstrates that while financial incentives attract players to Saudi Arabia, the pull of European competition and personal fulfillment remains powerful.

The transfer also highlights FIFA’s role in international transfers and the complexity of bureaucratic processes when multiple federations are involved. The initial rejection and subsequent approval showcase how administrative issues can complicate even agreed transfers.

Future Prospects and Season Objectives

With Aymeric Laporte’s registration confirmed, Athletic Club can now focus on integrating their returning hero into Ernesto Valverde’s tactical setup. His presence immediately upgrades their defensive options and provides the experience necessary for domestic and European campaigns.

The defender’s motivation extends beyond club success to maintaining his position in Spain’s national team setup. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, consistent performances at Athletic Club become crucial for Aymeric Laporte’s international ambitions.

His return also symbolizes Athletic Club’s ability to attract top-level talent despite their unique player policy restrictions. Successfully convincing Aymeric Laporte to choose San Mamés over multiple European alternatives demonstrates the club’s enduring appeal and cultural significance.

The saga’s conclusion represents triumph over bureaucracy, loyalty over financial gain, and the enduring power of emotional connections in professional football. Aymeric Laporte is finally home.

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