Barcelona offered chance to sign influential Spain star after successful World Cup

Barcelona offered chance to sign influential Spain star after successful World Cup Aymeric Laporte was one of the star performers of the Spanish team as they outclassed France to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Laporte’s defensive work to stop the likes of Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, coupled with his partnership with Pau Cubarsi were a central feature of Spain’s effort on the night. So much so that it is almost difficult to believe that Laporte used to play in the Saudi Arabian league a few years ago. Laporte offered to Barcelona Laporte kept France quiet in the World Cup semifinal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) But following his successful World Cup campaign, it appears Laporte is ready to return to a top club, with the defender now being offered to Barcelona. That is according to Cadena COPE (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), which suggests Barcelona were given the chance to sign the centre-back a few days ago. This comes soon after Barça Universal exclusive reported that the Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick admires the veteran Spaniard . Laporte could be an appealing option for Barcelona as the Spaniard has already shown exceptional understanding with Pau Cubarsi, with the duo conceding just one goal in the tournament so far. Laporte’s ball-playing ability and left-footed nature make him an ideal defensive partner for Cubarsi and a replacement for Inigo Martinez. There is a problem Laporte could be an ideal target for Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) However, Barcelona are likely to face one major obstacle should they try and sign Laporte this summer. The former Man City player is currently plying his trade for Athletic Club, who do not harbour a great relationship with Barça at all. The relation between the two clubs deteriorated significantly following the Nico Williams transfer saga in the last two summers and Athletic Club certainly won’t make things easy if the Catalans come back for Laporte. This could become a problem as the 32-year-old still has a contract at Athletic Club until 2028, giving the Basque outfit some amount of leverage over the player’s transfer figure, especially after the kind of World Cup he has had so far. Barcelona, therefore, would likely have to overpay, if they are get their hands on Laporte.