Manchester City defender, Aymeric Laporte, is reportedly willing to snub Premier League interest and join Barcelona, in a return to his home nation.
The Spanish defender has been a regular name in the Manchester City squad since signing back in 2018, making 174 appearances under Pep Guardiola.
However, this season has been more challenging for the 28-year-old, starting only seven matches in the Premier League, injury has impacted the Spaniard hugely. He also missed seven games due to knee surgery at the start of the season and has been unable to work his way back into the side.
Guardiola’s recent defensive set-up, which includes a back four of all centre backs, should give the former Athletic Bilbao player a higher chance of playing. But Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Ruben Dias have kept him out of the starting XI.
🚨 Aymeric Laporte is unhappy at Manchester City and feels his time in England is coming to an end.
The Spanish defender wants to join Barcelona and would be willing to lower his salary to sign for them.
(Source: @Relevo) pic.twitter.com/amtsZZk4JI
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 24, 2023
Newcastle United have reportedly shown interest in the Man City defender, with the Magpies sitting third in the Premier League and look likely to finish in the Champions League qualification places.
This, alongside their affluent ownership, means the club can now attract some of Europe’s best players. As they have been linked with Barcelona star, Raphinha, in what could cost the club £70m.
Laporte has reportedly dismissed a move to an alternative Premier League side, instead preferring a move back to Spain where he began his career almost a decade ago.
Barcelona are in pole position to win La Liga, sitting top of the table with an 11 point lead over Real Madrid. The Catalan side have struggled in Europe, being knocked out of the Champions League and Europa League in the early stages.
A move back to Spain may be what is needed for Laporte, as a player of his quality should be playing more than seven times in a season. But with Barcelona’s recent financial issues, will they be able to bring the City man back home?
Related content
- Football Betting Tips 2023 – Latest Picks & Football Tips
- Football Accumulator Tips 2023 – Latest Acca Betting Tips
- Best Correct Score Tipsters on Telegram & Social Media 2023
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
