Manchester City’s defender Aymeric Laporte is said to have reached a personal agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
Since his arrival from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018, Laporte has accumulated 180 competitive appearances with the Pep Guardiola-led squad, contributing to their victories in various competitions, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League. However, it appears his tenure with the club is drawing to a close.
Laporte has been linked with a departure throughout the summer transfer window, a consequence of his reduced playing time at Man City last season. During the club’s successful treble-winning campaign, Guardiola primarily relied on players like Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, and John Stones.
The signing of Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig has essentially rendered Laporte surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.
Recent reports have indicated that Manchester City accepted an offer for Laporte from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. According to talkSPORT, Laporte has now agreed to the terms of a lucrative three-year contract with Al-Nassr, valued at £64 million.
Laporte is poised to become the second player to depart Man City for the Saudi Pro League this summer, following Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli last month.
Additionally, the Daily Mail reports that Laporte will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to finalize his £23.5 million transfer.
Al-Nassr, one of four Saudi Arabian clubs owned by the nation’s Public Investment Fund, has already secured the services of notable players such as Sadio Mane, Seko Fofana, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles.
Laporte will also reunite with former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, who made his move to the Middle East earlier this year.
Luis Castro’s team has endured a challenging start to their league campaign, suffering defeats to Al Ettifaq and Al-Taawoun in their first two matches.