OFFICIAL: Aymeric Laporte return to Athletic Club

It was one of the sagas of the summer due to its length, but it has now been resolved. Outside the transfer window, but just in time. Aymeric Laporte, seven and a half years later, is once again an Athletic Club player.

The side managed by Ernesto Valverde bolsters their defensive options with the arrival of the Spanish international, who has committed to the Basque side for three seasons, bringing an end to his two-year spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.

Before leaving for Manchester City midway through the 2017-18 season, Laporte had worn the 'lions' shirt on 222 occasions, a figure that he will now have the opportunity to increase at the age of 31.

The player, despite the money on offer, prioritised returning home and to Europe to join Athletic's ambitious project, which is well-established in the Spanish top flight and competing in the Champions League this year. The club were able to demonstrate to FIFA that all the documentation was submitted in time.

The situation is as follows: the governing body allows the Basque club to request the International Transfer Certificate. Once it has been validated by the RFEF, the 'Rojiblancos' new signing can be registered.

With the return of Laporte, Athletic, constrained by their unique philosophy, bring an end to a great summer in which they have also brought in Jesus Areso and Robert Navarro, as well as keeping hold of Nico Williams despite interest from FC Barcelona.