Flick's contingency plan: Aymeric Laporte

An unexpected yet familiar name has re-emerged in Barcelona's defensive planning. According to the report, Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte was offered to the Catalan club a few days ago. As confirmed in an earlier exclusive report, head coach Hansi Flick is one of the veteran Spanish defender's biggest admirers; at this stage, however, the player is viewed more as a "contingency plan" than an urgent target.

The club's order of priorities is clear. Barcelona's number one agenda this summer remains finding a striker, with names such as Julián Álvarez or Erling Haaland among the priority targets. However, the club is reported not to completely rule out adding an experienced centre-back should a suitable opportunity arise in the market.

Laporte's appeal is backed by concrete evidence on the pitch. His partnership with Pau Cubarsí at the World Cup helped Spain concede just a single goal at the tournament, and Laporte earned a place in the Team of the Group Stage. In Flick's eyes, the veteran defender — with his left-footed profile and ball-playing ability — could be the ideal partner for Cubarsí and a successor to Íñigo Martínez, who previously filled a similar role; scenarios circulating suggest a two-year contract and a fee below €30 million.

The obstacles, however, cannot be dismissed either. The serious deterioration in relations between the two clubs following the Nico Williams transfer saga means Athletic are unlikely to make negotiations easy. The 32-year-old's contract running until 2028 also gives the Basque club significant leverage in any talks, with Athletic reported to feel no pressure to sell. Club president Joan Laporta is said to like the proposal and to have left the final decision to Hansi Flick.

Source: Mundo Deportivo
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