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Real Madrid are reportedly considering a free transfer for their former centre-back Aymeric Laporte this summer as doubts grow over the potential arrival of Dean Huijsen.
Defensive stability has been a recurring concern for the Spanish giants this season, with injuries plaguing key players like David Alaba and Eder Militao, while even Antonio Rudiger has not been immune.
While Madrid have shown interest in young centre-back Dean Huijsen, who impressed during his loan spell at Bournemouth and earned his first Spain cap in March, securing his signature is proving challenging. The 20-year-old has a £50m (€59m) release clause, payable in installments, making him an attractive prospect. However, despite seemingly ruling out a move to Chelsea, Madrid face significant competition from Arsenal and Liverpool, potentially jeopardizing their pursuit.
Amid this uncertainty, a surprising alternative has emerged in the form of Aymeric Laporte. According to reports from Saudi Arabia, as highlighted by AS, Laporte has been in discussions with Al Nassr to terminate his contract a year early. This suggests the Spanish international could soon become a free agent after seemingly falling out of favor, having not featured in Al Nassr’s matches this month.
Laporte joined Al Nassr in 2023 for a fee equivalent to €30m (£25m) following a successful five-and-a-half-year spell at Manchester City, where he won five Premier League titles. Despite a long-term knee injury in 2019, he was a key player for City both before and after. However, after missing the beginning of their treble-winning 2022/23 season, he struggled to regain his starting position, leading to his move to the Saudi Pro League. Notably, he still played a significant role for Spain in their victorious European Championship campaign last summer.
Turning 31 at the end of May, Laporte could represent a shrewd short-term addition for Real Madrid if their pursuit of Huijsen ultimately proves unsuccessful. His experience and familiarity with the club could provide valuable cover and leadership in a potentially weakened defensive unit.