Al-Nassr star wants out: even massive salary not enough reason to stay

French international and former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has decided to leave Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, according to a report by TalkSPORT.

Currently, the 29-year-old has a valid contract with Al-Nassr until 2026 and earns approximately £390,000 per week (around 260 million tenge), making him one of the world's top three highest-paid defenders. Despite this, Laporte himself has stated that he is prepared to walk away from this significant salary to seek a new team and environment.

Environment and relationships – the main reasons

Laporte's desire to leave is reportedly tied to his dissatisfaction with the situation at Al-Nassr. Sources indicate he has encountered difficulties in his relationship with the team's head coach Stefano Pioli. Additionally, he is not satisfied with his role in the squad and his importance on the pitch.

In the current season, Laporte has played 30 matches, scoring 5 goals. However, despite the presence of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and John Duran, Laporte feels "in the background."

Even Ronaldo's presence cannot keep him

Interestingly, even the presence of a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo has not influenced Laporte's decision. Laporte has emphasized that personal emotional state, environment, and professional development are very significant factors for a footballer.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo himself is also contemplating the club's future. His contract with Al-Nassr has yet to be extended. Unless there are changes in the coming weeks, the Portuguese star might become a free agent.

Where will Laporte play next?

As of now, there is no official information about Laporte's next club. However, it is natural that clubs from Europe, especially from Spain and England, could be interested in him. His experience and technical abilities are highly valued, and his desire to return to a leadership role could see him performing again at the highest level.

Zamin.uz editorial continues to monitor players’ personal choices, off-pitch situations, and their future decisions. In which club would you like to see Laporte next? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!