Athletic Club’s Defensive Woes: Azpilicueta Eyed as Laporte Injury Complicates Transfer
Soccer fans, the transfer market is heating up yet again, but this time, the drama is unfolding in Basque Country. Athletic Club is now on the hunt for a new defender as Aymeric Laporte’s unexpected injury and a tug-of-war with Al-Nassr threatens to derail their defensive strategy.
The Twist in Athletic’s Plan
It seemed the Bilbao outfit had a solid plan in place with Laporte all set to be their next signing. However, that plan suffered a major blow when Laporte pulled a hamstring during a training camp with Al-Nassr in Portugal. With Laporte’s transfer hanging by a thread, Athletic Club is left scrambling to find a contingency. According to Marca, the club is now setting sights on ex-Atletico Madrid and Chelsea ace, Cesar Azpilicueta, currently without a club.
Athletic’s Defensive Dilemma
It’s been a rough ride for Athletic Club lately. Their back line has been besieged by a series of unfortunate events: Benat Prados injured against Liverpool, Yeray Alvarez serving a doping ban, Unai Egiluz nursing a cruciate ligament injury, and Aitor Paredes ruled out with a muscle strain. Therefore, the signing of a seasoned defender, especially one who can slip right into their wage structure and is available on a free transfer, has become the club’s priority.
Transfer Hold-Up
Despite reaching a mutual agreement with Laporte, Athletic Club is stuck in a standoff with Al-Nassr. The Saudi club is reportedly demanding Laporte to either forfeit a significant portion of his contract or pay a transfer fee. Even if Laporte ends up joining Athletic, he will require time to recover and gel with his new teammates. Thus, the need for a cost-effective yet competent alternative is undeniably urgent.
What Lies Ahead?
As of now, Laporte’s future is still in the balance as he awaits medical results to determine the severity of his injury and his chances of playing for Al-Nassr against Al-Ittihad on August 19. Meanwhile, Athletic Club is left with a big decision to make in the coming days. Will they hold out for Laporte or swoop in for Azpilicueta to shore up their defense before the season gets underway? Only time will tell.