Aymeric Laporte has successfully completed his move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr for a reported fee of €27.5 million (£23.6 million).

Laporte’s decision to leave City comes after a period of limited playing time last season, during which he made just 12 Premier League appearances. His competition for playing time increased further with the arrival of fellow left-footed centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

Laporte, who joined Manchester City from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018 for a then-club-record fee, made a total of 180 appearances for the club across all competitions. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in City’s successes, winning 13 major trophies, including five Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, two FA Cups, one Champions League, one Community Shield, and one UEFA Super Cup.

The 29-year-old defender expressed his gratitude to Manchester City and its fans in a farewell message on social media, stating, “It has lasted five-and-a-half unforgettable years. Plenty of memories that I will keep forever close to my heart… From trophies to setbacks, victories to injuries, it’s all been part of my journey, and I’m grateful for absolutely every moment that shaped me into who I am today.”

Laporte’s departure from City and move to Al Nassr aligns with the trend of high-profile players moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer. Al Nassr has made several significant signings, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, and Seko Fofana. This influx of talent is attributed to the investments made by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has taken over several Saudi Pro League clubs.

Laporte’s transfer to Al Nassr offers him a fresh challenge and a chance to contribute to a new chapter in his football career. He leaves Manchester City with a legacy of success and remains appreciative of the experiences he gained during his time at the club.

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