Real Madrid prepared to sign Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate on one condition: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly considering signing Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate Aymeric Laporte, but only on a free transfer. The Spanish centre-back is an option to strengthen Carlo Ancelotti's defense this summer.
Diario AS reports that Madrid would be tempted to sign Laporte but not for a fee, which Al-Nassr are demanding. The former Manchester City man wants out of Al-Awwal Park amid struggles adapting to life in the Saudi Pro League.
Laporte, 30, joined Al-Alami from City last summer for €27.5 million. He was a mainstay in Luis Castro's side last season, helping them keep 13 clean sheets in 39 games across competitions.
However, Laporte hinted at becoming disillusioned with life in Saudi earlier this year. He claimed many European stars who made their switch to the Middle East are 'dissatisfied.'
Real Madrid are tracking Laporte after his impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Spain. He was one of La Roja's heroes as they won the tournament in Germany earlier this month.
Los Blancos missed out on their top defensive target when Leny Yoro, 18, joined Manchester United from LOSC Lille for €62 million. Figures at the Santiago Bernabeu viewed the highly rated French teenager as the 'Kylian Mbappe of defenders.'
Aymeric Laporte could play under one of Cristiano Ronaldo's favorite coaches at Real Madrid
Laporte appears to be Real Madrid's new target to help deal with a defensive injury crisis that ensued last season. He'd be playing under Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, a manager Cristiano Ronaldo knows all too well.
Cristiano Ronaldo shed light on life under Ancelotti and how the Italian coach's friendly demeanor surprised him. Los Blancos' all-time top scorer told ESPN nine years ago:
"Mr. Ancelotti was an unbelievable surprise. In the beginning I thought he was more a tough person, more ... kind of arrogant, and it was the opposite. He's like a big bear, I can say. He's a cute guy, such a sensitive person. He spoke with us every day. Not just with me but with all the players. He had fun with us."
Ronaldo flourished under Ancelotti during the latter's first reign in charge of Madrid. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner registered 112 goals and 47 assists in 101 games while playing under the Italian.
Ancelotti has worked with some of Madrid's all-time greats, including Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos. He's managed to get the best out of them, and the iconic coach's glowing resume may persuade Laporte to join.