FC Barcelona are unlikely to sign Aymeric Laporte after Athletic Bilbao set an asking price of 80 million euros for the defender, according to journalist Jose Felix Diaz of AS.
Laporte formed a key central defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi as Spain won the World Cup, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament. La Furia Roja beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, a record for the fewest goals ever conceded by a World Cup winner.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is reported to have made inquiries about the 32-year-old, but after learning of Bilbao’s valuation, the club is not expected to pursue a deal.
Real Madrid have also been linked with the defender, though it remains unclear whether any formal approach was made.
Laporte joined Athletic Bilbao from Al-Nassr for 10 million euros last year and has two years remaining on his contract. His last major transfer came in 2018, when he moved from Bilbao to Manchester City, where he won the Champions League and six Premier League titles.
