Former Spain manager Javier Clemente has opposed Aymeric Laporte’s potential move to Barcelona, casting doubt on the club’s reported interest in the Athletic Club defender as they consider options to strengthen their defence.
Barcelona are assessing several candidates while preparing for the departure of Ronald Araujo. Despite already having four defenders available, and the possibility of promoting Alvaro Cortes to the first team, sporting director Deco is examining further reinforcements.
Among the names being considered are Romero and Laporte, according to the Spanish newspaper Sport.
Clemente, who previously managed Athletic Club, said he did not support the idea of Laporte joining Barcelona.
“I am against Laporte joining Barcelona,” Clemente told EREM News.
The former Spain boss added that Laporte remains a top-level defender but questioned whether a transfer was realistic, given how recently the player returned to Athletic Club.
“Laporte is a great player, but I do not think he will move to Barcelona, because he recently joined Athletic Club from Al Nassr,” he said.
Laporte returned to the Basque club last summer after leaving Al Nassr, and Clemente does not expect the centre-back to depart again during the upcoming summer transfer window.
He believes Laporte remains central to Athletic Club’s plans and that the timing of any possible exit would be particularly difficult for the club.
“Laporte is indispensable in the plans of the Basque club, and I am against his transfer to Barcelona, and against the departure of any player from Athletic Club’s current squad a few days before the start of the season,” Clemente said.
Athletic Club are understood to be demanding 80m euros before considering Laporte’s sale. That valuation could present another obstacle for Barcelona as they review possible defensive additions.
Laporte has also been associated with Spain’s recent international set-up. He formed a centre-back partnership with Pau Cubarsi for the national team during the World Cup.
Barcelona’s interest comes as the club weigh up how to replace Araujo and add greater depth at the back. The Catalan side have four defenders in the squad, with Cortes also a possible option for promotion from within, but Deco is continuing to study alternatives.
Romero and Laporte are among the principal names linked with the role. However, Clemente’s comments underline the difficulty Barcelona could face in persuading Athletic Club to release Laporte, particularly after the defender returned to the club only last summer.
For now, Clemente expects Laporte to remain with Athletic Club and has made clear his opposition to any move that would see the defender leave shortly before the new season begins.
