Aymeric Laporte Responds to Real Madrid and Barcelona Transfer Links

Manchester City center-back Aymeric Laporte has responded to the recent transfer speculations linking him with a move back to Spain. The 25-year-old who was signed from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018 has since established himself as a key player for Pep Guardiola. The Catalan manager has described him as the best left-sided center-back in the world.

But with the uncertainty arising from City’s two-year UEFA ban from the Champions League, several players at the club have been the subject of transfer speculations. Some of these include Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva. Laporte is the latest and has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. When asked about the rumours by El Chiringuito as reported in The Times, the Frenchman made it clear he is happy at the Etihad Stadium.

“I am very happy here at Manchester City. I am enjoying my football here.

”We are doing great things here. In the last two years we have won eight trophies.”

Laporte has been instrumental to City’s success in the last two seasons helping the side achieve back-to-back Premier League title wins. His injury problems this season have coincided with the team’s struggle to defend the title.

The failure of both Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones to step up and fill the void has increased Laporte’s value in the team and enhanced his reputation as a top defender. That has led to an increase in the player’s stock all round. It’s not surprising then that he’s linked with a move to a top European side. For most players, it usually doesn’t get better than the two Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

With a very uncertain summer ahead as a result of the coronavirus pandemic as well as the likelihood of Champions League exclusion, a shake up could be expected at City. But the commitment displayed from important players like Laporte is a good sign that everything will be fine.