Cristiano Ronaldo’s 30-year-old Al-Nassr teammate enters showdown talks to terminate contract amid interest from Europe: Reports
Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte - who joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last summer - reportedly wants to leave the club as he seeks a move to Real Madrid. The 30-year-old had arrived last summer from Manchester City.
In his lone season in Saudi Arabian football, the Spaniard contributed four goals and an assist in 40 games across competitions. All five goal contributions came in 27 outings in the Saudi Pro League as Ronaldo and Co. finished runner-up for a second straight season.
However, despite his contract running till 2026, Laporte seeks an exit from Mrsool Park (as per Saudi publication Al-Yaum via GOAL). His agent has opened talks with the club for the termination of Laporte's contract, with the player seeking a Los Blancos move.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is apparently eyeing the Spaniard as an option in defence after club legend Nacho Fernandez left on a free transfer. The reigning La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners reportedly missed out on Lille's Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United.
The aforementioned Saudi publication also reports that Al-Nassr president Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib has travelled to Spain to hold talks with sporting director Fernando Hierro and head coach Luis Castro to discuss Laporte's potential departure.
What's next for Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr?
Al-Nassr are set to play their first pre-season friendly of the season with Spanish side Granada on Sunday (August 4). Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to rejoin with the squad after taking a break following his involvement with Portugal at Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old drew a blank for the first time in 11 major-tournament appearances as Portugal crashed out on penalties to France in the quarter-final. Ronaldo scored in two shootouts, including in the France defeat, but missed an extra-time penalty in the previous round against Slovenia.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's club side are slated to play Almeria on August 8 ahead of their Saudi Super Cup semi-final with Al-Taawoun six days later. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is expected to feature in both games.