Aymeric Laporte has dealt a blow to both Manchester United and Manchester City’s hopes of signing him by pledging his loyalty to Spanish club Athletic Bilbao.
The Frenchman has been the subject of many transfer rumours this season, with a number of reports linking him with a move to Manchester.
Current Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, who is set to take over as the manager of Manchester City from the start of the next season, is said to be a big fan of Laporte and wants to take him to Manchester City to solidify the team’s defence.
However, Laporte himself has put an end to all these rumours, labeling them as “unfounded and inaccurate”.
“Given the unfounded and inaccurate news appearing in the media today, my message to the fans of Atheltic is very clear and simple,” said Laporte in a statement, according to Manchester Evening News. “In my mind I have only the desire to be useful to the club and my teammates, to achieve maximum goals this season, as well as recover well from my injury.”
The Frenchman also went on to pledge his loyalty to Athletic Bilbao, saying that he himself will let the club know if he wants a move.
“Athletic will always be the first to know about anything that might happen in the future,” said Laporte. “My loyalty and deep respect for this club is full.”
Smart decision not to move?
There is no doubt that Laporte could turn out to be an asset for both Manchester clubs. Already a regular starter at the age of 21, Laporte can only become a better defender over time. Also, he could be a calming influence in the Manchester City defence, which always looks out of sorts when their talismanic captain Vincent Kompany does not play.
However, Laporte’s decision not to move at this stage makes a lot of sense. The 21 year old is currently recovering from a broken leg and will take some time to get back to full fitness. It takes a lot of time for players recovering from broken legs to get back to their normal routine. Some players, like former Arsenal striker Eduardo, have never been able to play the same way again, after such an injury. Thus, it will be all the more difficult for Laporte to adjust at a new club right after returning from a serious injury.
