Laporte leaves door open to Barcelona move and backs Rodri’s decision

Aymeric Laporte says a move to Barcelona is not impossible, despite admitting that time is working against him after the Catalan club failed to sign him during the summer transfer window.

Barcelona had been searching for a left-footed centre-back for manager Hansi Flick, with sporting director Deco considering several options. Laporte emerged as one of the leading candidates after helping Spain win the World Cup and forming a particularly strong defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi.

The Athletic Club defender offered several qualities Barcelona were seeking, including experience, the ability to build play from the back and a detailed knowledge of La Liga.

However, a deal was difficult to arrange. Laporte returned to Athletic Club in September 2025 after his spell in Saudi Arabia and is under contract with the Basque club until June 2028. Athletic Club were also reluctant to allow one of their most important defenders to leave.

The financial demands presented another major obstacle. Athletic Club were reportedly unwilling to make Laporte’s departure easier and valued him at about 80 million euros – a figure beyond Barcelona’s plans for a player who is 32.

Laporte has now discussed the interest in an interview with La Vanguardia, explaining that the move did not happen because of his current club’s position.

“Perhaps they were interested, but Athletic Club did not want to let me leave, so it was not possible,” he said.

Asked whether the possibility of joining Barcelona had now been completely ruled out, Laporte refused to close the door.

“It depends on the future; nobody knows what might happen. It is true that time is passing and that it is becoming more difficult,” he said.

Laporte turned 32 in May and recognises that the opportunities for one final major transfer in his career are becoming increasingly limited.

He also spoke about his relationship with Cubarsi, with whom he formed one of the standout defensive partnerships at the World Cup. Laporte said their connection extends beyond their work for Spain.

“He told me that he had followed me and looked up to me when he was young, even before he made his first-team debut for Barcelona,” Laporte said.

“From the beginning, we developed a special relationship off the pitch. I have helped him with my experience, while he gives me the energy and assurance that are difficult to find in a player so young. He does not make mistakes, which is rare at his age.”

Laporte was also asked about Rodri, his former team-mate at Manchester City and with Spain. He described the midfielder as central to how a team controls matches.

“He is a key player in midfield. He is the one who takes control and dictates the rhythm of the game. I won everything alongside him, and I cannot say anything bad about him,” Laporte said.

Rodri’s move to Barcelona did not surprise Laporte, who believes the decision reflects both the player’s origins and footballing identity.

“He was born here, and the English league is extremely physical. He came here to play the football we love – especially the football that represents his identity linked to Barcelona. This is the best option for him,” he added.