Real Madrid keeping tabs on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate amid transfer requirement: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Aymeric Laporte is reportedly one of three defenders on Real Madrid's shortlist after the club missed out on signing Leny Yoro. The La Liga giants were heavily expected to win the race for the French defensive starlet, but he's joined Manchester United.
Diario AS reports that Madrid may turn to who could be leaving Al-Awwal Park this summer. The former Manchester City man has voiced his issues with playing in the Saudi Pro League since arriving last summer.
Laporte, 30, suggested that high-profile European stars who have headed to Saudi Arabia have become disillusioned with life in the Middle East. He said in January (via AS):
"They haven't made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players who are dissatisfied, but hey; We are working on it every day, negotiating so to speak, and to see if it improves a little."
Laporte's stock is high after helping Spain win Euro 2024; he appeared in six of seven games and was unfortunate not to make the Team of the Tournament. He was also a mainstay in Luis Castro's Al-Nassr side throughout last season after joining Cristiano Ronaldo at the Riyadh-based club.
The veteran centre-back made 39 appearances across competitions, helping Al-Alami keep 13 clean sheets. He also chipped in with four goals and one assist.
Laporte is joined on Real Madrid's list of Yoro alternatives by Union Berlin's Diogo Leite, 25, and Ajax's Jorrel Hato, 18. Los Blancos sold Rafa Marin to Napoli earlier this summer, believing they would capture the new United defender.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are reportedly showing interest in Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger could head the opposite direction if Al-Nassr get their way this summer. Sky Germany (via Tribal Football) reports that Cristiano Ronaldo's outfit and rivals Al-Hilal are both interested in the Real Madrid defender.
Rudiger, 31, has received astronomical proposals from the Saudi rivals, and they are ready to splash the cash. The potential moves tempt him, but Los Blancos chiefs don't want to lose the former Chelsea centre-back.
The 74-cap Germany international joined Madrid as a free agent in July 2022. He was excellent last season, helping Carlo Ancelotti's men keep 22 clean sheets and win the UEFA Champions League, La Liga title, and Supercopa de Espana.
Rudiger is viewed as a key member of Ancelotti's squad, which means a departure is unlikely. He was their most relied-upon defender last season due to Eder Militao and David Alaba's ACL injuries.