Athletic Bilbao have made clear their resolve will not bend easily in negotiations with Barcelona over defender Aymeric Laporte. The Basque club has firmly rejected reports of the centre-back's release clause, insisting the figure is substantially higher than media speculation suggests.
Barcelona's interest in Laporte intensified following his World Cup displays, where he formed an impressive defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsí. The pair conceded just one goal across the entire tournament, anchoring their side's success. Laporte's performances have positioned him as a prime target for the Catalan giants seeking reinforcement at the back.
Bilbao's Firm Stance on Price Tag
Athletic's frustration stems from Barcelona's persistent pursuit of their academy talent. Still smarting from the Nico Williams saga, club officials view this latest interest as another attempt to poach their prized assets. Bilbao's response has been unambiguous: any serious offer must include the full release clause, not the inflated estimates circulating in reports.
While some outlets have cited figures between €12 and €15 million, Bilbao sources insist the actual release clause approaches double those numbers. With Laporte contracted until summer 2028, the club holds considerable leverage. The defender's stock has never been higher, and Bilbao intend to cash in accordingly if Barcelona proceed with a bid.
Barcelona's Defensive Logjam
Even if Barcelona match Bilbao's asking price, coach Hansi Flick faces an internal hurdle. The club already possesses five centre-backs: Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martín, Ronald Araújo, and Andreas Christensen. Adding Laporte would require at least one defender to depart first. This arithmetic problem may ultimately prove more restrictive than Bilbao's price demands, shaping Barcelona's January strategy.
