Key Takeaways:
- Athletic Club were left in suspense on Monday night after the transfer window closed without official confirmation of Aymeric Laporte’s signing
- Documents for Laporte’s move reportedly arrived in time, but La Liga must review them and international clearance from the RFEF is pending
- Defensive reinforcements are critical for Athletic, with only two senior centre-backs currently available due to bans and injuries
Last-Minute Laporte Deal Still Awaits La Liga Approval
Athletic Club’s pursuit of much-needed defensive additions reached a tense climax as the Spanish transfer window closed at midnight on Monday, with questions still swirling over Aymeric Laporte’s return. Although Laporte has agreed personal terms on a three-year deal to rejoin his boyhood club, official confirmation of the move was still outstanding at the deadline.
🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Aymeric Laporte to Athletic Club, here we go! Back to Bilbao as he wanted.
Deal agreed right now with Al Nassr as documents being exchanged right now.
Laporte, set to travel as he rejected over 5 clubs for Athletic Club. pic.twitter.com/fwMVYMvlP6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025
The Spain international has long been tipped to leave Al-Nassr for a return to Bilbao, but neither the club nor La Liga announced the transfer before the window shut. Fabrizio Romano reported in the window’s final hour that the transfer had been completed. According to Cadena SER, the required documentation was submitted promptly, but the move is not yet formalised as La Liga must still examine the paperwork and international clearance from the RFEF is required. While sources indicate the transfer was executed in time, any documentation error now cannot be amended.
Defensive Options Severely Limited for Valverde
The urgency behind Laporte’s signing is underscored by a significant shortage in Athletic’s defensive ranks. Manager Ernesto Valverde currently has just two senior central defenders at his disposal—Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes. Yeray Alvarez is unavailable as he remains suspended during the ongoing UEFA doping investigation, while Unai Egiluz, who had returned from loan to bolster the squad, faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. As a result, Laporte’s registration is seen as crucial for the Basque side’s immediate campaign plans.
| Defender | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dani Vivian | Available | Senior centre-back |
| Aitor Paredes | Available | Senior centre-back |
| Yeray Alvarez | Banned | Awaiting resolution of UEFA doping case |
| Unai Egiluz | Injured | Out long-term with cruciate ligament injury |
| Aymeric Laporte | Pending | Awaiting registration and international clearance |
Final Steps Before Laporte’s Homecoming is Confirmed
While Athletic supporters and analysts await official word regarding Laporte’s registration, the spotlight remains on paperwork verification and international clearance procedures in the coming days. Should all be approved, Laporte will be eligible to add much-needed depth and experience to a back line in dire need of reinforcement.
