Real Madrid is still looking for reinforcements for their defense. Although they already have some well-known players, the team needs to reinforce central defense. The sporting management has been evaluating several options. During the summer, one name that they particularly liked stood out.
Laporte's Interest in Real Madrid
Aymeric Laporte has always shown interest in playing for a club of Real Madrid's size. The center-back was keen to sign for Los Blancos and join a team of stars, with the added bonus of having friends like Lucas Vázquez.
During the summer, there were preliminary contacts between Laporte and Madrid, although the deal never materialized. The center-back had just signed for Al Nassr, a club that, although financially powerful, didn't offer him the European projection he so longed for.
The center-back, who was a outstanding performer at the European Championships and has a wealth of international experience, was seen as an ideal option. Laporte has the ability to compete at the highest level and was willing to accept a supporting, secondary role at Real Madrid.
However, from the beginning, his arrival only seemed possible under one very specific condition. He should terminate his contract with Al Nassr and arrive as a free agent.
Madrid Doesn't Plan to Pay for Laporte
The main obstacle in this operation is that Real Madrid is not willing to pay a transfer fee for Laporte.
The club has adopted a clear transfer policy at the moment: not paying large sums of money for players over 30 years old. Although Laporte remains a top-level player, Madrid prefers to keep its resources for future, younger transfers.
The transfer of the Spanish center-back is therefore hanging in the air. If Laporte can't leave Al Nassr without a transfer fee, his arrival at Santiago Bernabéu seems practically impossible.
This situation has left his friend Lucas Vázquez speechless, as his arrival could have changed Madrid's defensive outlook.
Simeone Enters the Scene
While Madrid is hesitating, Diego Simeone has moved quickly. The Atletico de Madrid manager is aware of the situation and has expressed his interest in Laporte.
For Simeone, the transfer of the center-back would be a great opportunity to strengthen his defense with a quality and experienced player.
Atlético de Madrid is keen to sign Laporte if he manages to leave Saudi Arabia. Although the operation won't be easy, Cholo is willing to try whatever it takes to keep the defender.
With Real Madrid out of the equation, the race for Laporte remains open, and Simeone looks set to seize the opportunity.
In the coming weeks, it will be known whether the center-back finally lands in the capital, although perhaps not on the white side.