OFFICIAL: Bilbao confirm payment of Laporte's release clause

Anna Woodberry 6 years ago 8.7k |

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Laporte's move to Man City looks to be finalised shortly. AFP

Athletic Bilbao have announced on Monday afternoon through their official twitter account that defender Aymeric Laporte's has paid his release clause with his move to Manchester City set to be finalised soon.

There had been strong rumours circulating on Monday that Laporte was set to complete his move to the Premier League leaders in the next 24 hours. That looks set to become true as his club have confirmed on Monday afternoon that the player's €65m release clause has been paid, effectively ending his work contract with the Basque team.

In the statement Athletic Bilbao said: "On January 29 2018, the Professional Football League (LFP) has informed our entity that the player Aymeric Laporte has fulfilled the requirements for the valid resolution of the work contract that linked him to Athletic Club".

"The aforementioned notice states that the player has expressed his desire to terminate and unilaterally resolve the contractual relationship that was signed in the 2009-10 season and that the amount of compensation established in the contract has been paid".

The club concluded: "Athletic thanks the player for his contribution during the time he has remained at our club".

The statement also included a few words from Laporte himself: "I want to thank [the club] for everything you have given me. I arrived as a teenager and am leaving as an adult and a football player. I do not want it to be a goodbye, but a see you soon. I leave a unique club, [one] I will never forget".

Athletic Bilbao do not reveal who paid the release clause but speculation in England and Spain suggest it is the Manchester club.