FIFA Block Aymeric Laporte's Move To Athletic Bilbao From Al Nassr: Here Why

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 23:27 IST

Athletic Bilbao's bid to sign Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr failed after FIFA denied a late transfer exception, leaving the club exploring legal options to finalise the deal.

Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte (AP/PTI)

Athletic Bilbao were prevented from signing defender Aymeric Laporte by FIFA, the club announced on Wednesday.

The Basque team attempted to acquire him on September 1 from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, but the transfer could not be finalised due to “external factors beyond (Athletic’s) control," with Spanish media reporting the paperwork was submitted late.

The Spanish federation requested FIFA to make an exception for Laporte’s transfer, but Athletic revealed on Wednesday that FIFA had denied the request.

Athletic stated they were “studying all possibilities within the existing legal framework" to still attempt to bring in Laporte. However, if unsuccessful, the agreements with the player and Al-Nassr will be void.

Athletic said the events were as follows –

1. On September 1st, and within the player registration period permitted by law, player Aymeric Laporte Fevre, the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr Football Club, and Athletic Club agreed to the player’s transfer to Athletic Club, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.
2. Athletic Club submitted the transfer request to the FIFA TMS platform on September 1st, although the transfer request could not be fully completed on that date for reasons beyond its control and due to external factors beyond its control.
3. On September 2, the RFEF requested FIFA to authorise a validation exception in order to obtain the International Transfer Certificate from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, so that the player can be registered by Athletic Club.
4. On September 3, the RFEF informed Athletic Club via email that FIFA denies the request and the possibility of obtaining the International Transfer Certificate.

Who Is Aymeric Laporte?

Aymeric Laporte’s career began at Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy in 2010. Despite initial debate over his tenuous Basque ties, his talent soon validated the decision. Progressing through Bilbao’s farm and reserve teams, Marcelo Bielsa gave him his first-team debut in November 2012 during a UEFA Europa League match. Laporte went on to make his La Liga debut and became a regular starter, playing primarily as a centre-back but occasionally as a left-back. He scored his first professional goal in October 2013 against Getafe and was voted into the La Liga Team of the Year that season. His growing reputation led Bilbao to extend his contract multiple times, eventually raising his release clause to €65 million.

In January 2018, Manchester City activated that clause, signing Laporte for £57 million—a record fee for both clubs at the time. He adapted quickly and helped City secure the Premier League title in his debut season. The 2018–19 season was particularly notable, with Laporte playing a key role in City’s domestic treble, including scoring five goals, one of which secured the league on the final day. Although injuries and competition affected his consistency, Laporte continued to deliver crucial moments, such as scoring the winning goal in the 2021 EFL Cup final.

After five and a half successful years in England, Laporte transferred to Saudi Arabia in August 2023, signing with Al-Nassr in a £23.6 million deal.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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First Published:

September 03, 2025, 23:27 IST

News sports FIFA Block Aymeric Laporte's Move To Athletic Bilbao From Al Nassr: Here Why

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