Athletic Bilbao Reject Barcelona’s Laporte Offer

Athletic Bilbao have sent a blunt message to Barcelona over Aymeric Laporte: if you want him, pay up – and pay a lot more than you think.

The Catalan club, encouraged by Laporte’s outstanding World Cup and his seamless partnership with Pau Cubarsí at the heart of Spain’s defence, had begun to circle. Across the tournament the pair formed a commanding axis, conceding just one goal on the way to the Matador’s title. For Barcelona, it looked like the perfect audition for a summer move.

Then Bilbao pushed back.

According to Sport, sources inside the Basque club insist the release clause in Laporte’s contract is nowhere near the numbers being floated in recent days. Figures of 12 to 15 million euros have been doing the rounds. Bilbao executives have dismissed those estimates outright, indicating the real amount is closer to double.

The message is as much emotional as financial. Still bristling from the Nico Williams saga, Athletic believe Barcelona are once again hovering over one of their key men and have no intention of being squeezed. With Laporte tied down until the summer of 2028, they hold the leverage and they know it.

That irritation hardened into a clear stance: there will be no discounts, no creative structures, no friendly negotiations. Any club that wants Laporte, and particularly Barcelona, must trigger the full clause.

For Barça, the equation is complicated even before they reach the negotiating table. Hansi Flick already has five central defenders on his books: Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martín, Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen. Laporte’s arrival at the Spotify Camp Nou would only be possible if one of them makes way.

Barcelona’s admiration for Laporte has been sharpened by what he showed alongside Cubarsí on the biggest stage: composure, leadership, and a left foot that fits perfectly into their passing ideals. The temptation is obvious. So is the obstacle.

Bilbao have drawn their line. Now the question is whether Barcelona, under financial strain and with a crowded back line, are willing to cross it.