Aymeric Laporte returns to Athletic Bilbao from Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr: Why the transfer was stalled

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Sep 12, 2025, 10:26 IST

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Aymeric Laporte's transfer to Athletic Bilbao from Al-Nassr has been finalized after FIFA approved the move following an initial denial. The Spanish club had sought the defender's return, facing a deadline issue resolved through FIFA's intervention. Laporte, a former Athletic player with over 200 appearances, brings significant experience from Manchester City and the Spanish national team, bolstering Athletic's defense.

Aymeric Laporte returns to Athletic Bilbao from Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr: Why the transfer was stalled

Aymeric Laporte (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Athletic Bilbao have confirmed the return of Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte after FIFA authorized his move from Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The switch had stalled on deadline day due to administrative delays, but the world football governing body has now allowed the registration to be completed. Athletic Bilbao released an official statement confirming FIFA had granted Spain’s football federation (RFEF) the authority to secure the International Transfer Certificate from Saudi Arabia. This cleared the way for Laporte’s registration in La Liga.

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The transfer had initially collapsed on September 1, when Al Nassr reportedly failed to input key details into FIFA’s Transfer Matching System. That omission prevented the paperwork from being validated before the deadline. The RFEF appealed the decision, and FIFA has now ruled in favour of the Spanish side. FIFA’s decision to overturn its earlier refusal has provided clarity for both Laporte and Bilbao. The club regains a player who made over 160 La Liga appearances in his first spell, while Laporte secures a return to the team where his professional career began. The incident also underlined the challenges of coordinating moves between European clubs and the Saudi Pro League.

Despite the league’s financial growth and international talent pool, the registration delays remain a recurring issue. During his two seasons with Al Nassr, Laporte played alongside global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozović. While he was a consistent presence in defence, changes in the squad meant his long-term future was uncertain. Now, the Euro 2024 winner has returned to Athletic Bilbao with a wealth of experience. His time at Manchester City saw him win 13 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. Supporters at San Mamés are preparing a warm welcome and are hopeful that Laporte’s leadership and defensive skills can help push the club forward.

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TOI Sports Desk

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