16 August 2023 , 09:01
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Manchester City have reportedly accepted a bid from Al-Nassr for Aymeric Laporte.
The centre-half has been linked with a move away for months having fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad. City's capture of Josko Gvardiol for a huge fee further fuelled speculation that Laporte could move on and now a Saudi Arabia switch is on the cards.
Laporte, who has two years remaining on his contract, only made 12 Premier League appearances and is open to making the move, according to the Athletic, as huge money continues to be poured into the Saudi Pro League.
A switch to the Riyadh-based club would see the City man join up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana and Alex Telles
Laporte was an unused substitute in his side's Champions League triumph back in June and was seen in tears as they celebrated their Premier League title several months ago.
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The Daily Mail has reported previously that the English champions will not stand in Laporte's way if he does want to move on. The club have long wanted to keep morale high in the group and do not want players in the squad who are frustrated with their roles.
Laporte was a regular when he first signed for City back in January 2018, but began to fall down the pecking order when Ruben Dias was signed from Benfica and John Stones started to enjoy a renaissance with the duo now seen as crucial figures in the starting XI. The likes of Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake also enjoyed more game time last season.
The Spanish international previously spoke about his time at the Etihad and by no means hinted at a long-term future. "They said to come here and since the first day I realised that it was something very special and I wanted to come here to win many, many trophies and make history with this club as long as I can," he said.
Clubs from Saudi, several of whom are funded by the country's Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle, have raided Europe for some of its biggest names this summer. Current Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema made the move several months ago.
Neymar, who is still the most expensive player of all-time, has opted to leave PSG this week and joined Al-Hilal, penning a lucrative contract in the process.