Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly given his approval for the possible signing of Aymeric Laporte, Soccernet.football reports.
This summer, Real Madrid have been actively seeking defensive reinforcements following the departures of Nacho Fernandez and Rafa Marin.
The situation has been further complicated by the slow recovery of David Alaba from injury, leaving Ancelotti with just Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao as his primary center-back options.
Earlier in the transfer window, Real Madrid had their eyes on Leny Yoro, but the French youngster chose to join Manchester United instead. Meanwhile, Jesus Vallejo has been struggling with fitness issues, adding to the club’s defensive concerns.
Despite Ancelotti’s public insistence that Real Madrid are not in the market for another defender, reports suggest that the club is still open to strengthening its backline.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Ancelotti has given the green light to explore the possibility of signing Laporte, a Spanish international who recently lifted the UEFA Euro 2024 trophy.
A former Manchester City defender, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Laporte is reportedly keen on a return to Europe and is interested in joining Real Madrid.
However, the move faces significant hurdles. Real Madrid are unwilling to pay a transfer fee for the 30-year-old, meaning that Laporte would need to negotiate a contract termination with Al Nassr, where he still has two years remaining on a deal worth €48 million.
Talks between Laporte’s representatives and Al Nassr have begun, but the Saudi club, having invested €27 million in the defender, is reluctant to let him go without compensation.
While rumours circulated about an emergency meeting between Al Nassr officials, including sporting director Fernando Hierro and coach Luis Castro, sources close to the club deny such claims, maintaining that they are calm about the situation.
For now, it remains uncertain whether a resolution can be reached, but if Laporte and his agent can secure an amicable agreement with Al Nassr, a move to Real Madrid could still be on the cards this summer.
