Athletic Club have told Barcelona that Aymeric Laporte will not be allowed to leave for less than €80m after the Spanish defender emerged as a transfer target during the World Cup.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is reported to have asked about Laporte’s situation during the tournament and personally watched the 31-year-old in more than one match. Athletic Club’s response was unequivocal: they regard €80m as the minimum fee required to consider selling a player they believe remains central to their plans.
Laporte’s importance to the Basque club has increased since his return last summer, following a significant effort to bring him back to the side where his professional career began. Athletic Club are therefore unwilling to entertain a lower offer, despite renewed speculation linking the defender with a move away.
Laporte ended his association with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in the summer of 2025. However, FIFA initially ruled that the formalities surrounding his transfer had not been completed within the required timeframe, delaying the issue of his international transfer certificate.
Athletic Club and the Spanish Football Federation appealed against that decision. The ruling was subsequently overturned, allowing Laporte to return to the Basque club after eight years away.
His return has also strengthened a career that has seen him become an important part of the Spain set-up whenever he has been physically fit. Since making his international debut, Laporte has featured regularly under both former Spain manager Luis Enrique and current coach Luis de la Fuente.
There had been criticism and questioning over whether Laporte deserved to be selected for the World Cup. His performances during the competition, however, helped silence those doubts. He formed an effective defensive partnership with Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi, further increasing interest in his situation.
Reports have also once again associated Laporte with Real Madrid. Barcelona, though, are the club known to have made a formal enquiry through Deco. Any attempt to take the defender to Camp Nou is likely to face a significant financial obstacle because Athletic Club have made clear they have no intention of accepting less than €80m.
Laporte still has two years remaining on his Athletic Club contract. He has won 54 caps for Spain since the 2021 European Championship, underlining his continued status as one of the country’s senior defensive options.
For now, Athletic Club’s position leaves Barcelona with a clear choice: meet the €80m valuation or abandon their interest in a defender the Basque club fought hard to bring back.
