Barcelona warned Aymeric Laporte will cost £68m by Athletic Club

Barcelona have been told they would need to pay 80m euros (£68m) to sign Spain defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Club.

Barcelona sporting director Deco made enquiries about Laporte’s situation during the World Cup and personally watched the defender in more than one match, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

However, Athletic Club have made it clear they have no intention of allowing Laporte to leave for less than their asking price. The Basque club remain convinced of the defender’s importance after the significant effort he made to return to the side where his professional career began.

Laporte has attracted renewed attention after producing a series of impressive performances at the World Cup, where he formed an effective centre-back partnership with Pau Cubarsi. His displays have strengthened his standing with Spain and prompted fresh speculation about his future at club level.

The 31-year-old ended his association with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in the summer of 2025 before returning to Athletic Club. The move was initially delayed after FIFA ruled that the transfer procedures had not been completed within the required timeframe, meaning Laporte’s international transfer certificate was not issued immediately.

Athletic Club and the Spanish Football Federation appealed against that decision. Their appeal was successful, the original ruling was overturned and Laporte completed his return to the Basque club, eight years after leaving.

Laporte came through Athletic Club’s system and made his senior debut for the club before moving away in 2018. His return last summer was therefore regarded as an important piece of business for Athletic Club, which now has two years remaining on his contract.

The defender has remained a key figure for Spain whenever he has been physically available, first under former manager Luis Enrique and subsequently under Luis de la Fuente. Since making his international debut, Laporte has continued to be selected regularly and has now won 54 caps for Spain since the 2021 European Championship.

His place in the World Cup squad had been questioned by some critics, but his performances during the tournament have helped silence those doubts. Laporte’s form has also revived reports linking him with Real Madrid.

Despite that speculation, Barcelona are the club known to have made an official enquiry through Deco. The Catalan side will nevertheless face a difficult negotiation if they decide to pursue the defender, with Athletic Club’s position described as unequivocal: Laporte will not be sold for less than 80m euros.

That valuation reflects both his current importance to the club and the length of his remaining contract. For now, Athletic Club intend to retain the Spain international, while Barcelona must decide whether his performances and experience justify meeting the substantial fee.