Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Aymeric Laporte, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Aymeric Laporte, Football
A player has angered Al Nassr as the Saudi Pro League side are prepared to keep him 'caged' in a bitter dispute.
Al Nassr have made a slew of high-profile transfers this summer as Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to lead a star-studded line-up.
Joao Felix joined his fellow countryman from Chelsea, with Inigo Martinez also making the move.
And Kingsley Coman is set to sign for Al Nassr after they agreed a deal with Bayern Munich.
Advert
The club already have ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic on their books.
Not to mention Aymeric Laporte, who arrived from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
Laporte has made 69 appearances across all competitions since joining Al Nassr.
But the defender has been strongly linked with a return to Spain, with Athletic Bilbao keen on recruiting him ahead of the new season.
Advert
However, Bilbao have yet to agree a deal with Al Nassr, according to Fabrizio Romano.
On X, he wrote: "No agreement so far between Athletic Club and Al Nassr for Aymeric Laporte.
"Initial proposal was rejected days ago by Al Nassr and no fresh bid was sent from Bilbao so far. Talks in stand-by.
Advert
"Laporte has agreed personal terms with Athletic, only wants to play for Bilbao."
The 31-year-old seems hellbent on leaving Al Nassr to move back to Bilbao.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, 'several attempts' were made last week to unblock a situation that the club had hoped to resolve during the player's stay in Portugal, with the report claiming he had been 'avoiding the return to Riyadh'.
Advert
Laporte's stance has disappointed Al Nassr, who are considering registering the Spanish international for the AFC Champions League 2 and not for other competitions.
His demands for a contract termination have angered Al Nassr officials.
Per the report, they are already pressuring the player to keep him 'caged' for a year.
So, he would still be earning his salary but missing out on crucial action ahead of next summer's World Cup.