As the Saudi Pro League season officially draws to a close, Al Nassr shifts its focus to the King Cup of Champions final. The Knights of the Najd will clash with arch-rivals Al Hilal, aiming to avoid a trophyless season. But the challenge takes a double fold as Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will enter the final without star defender Aymeric Laporte, who will be serving his suspension. As they grapple with his absence, Luis Castro has urged the Europe-bound player to ‘understand the importance of his presence.’

Following Al Nassr’s 4-2 victory in the final Roshn League game against Al Ittihad, the Portuguese tactician was asked about the upcoming final challenge. As the topic of Laporte came up, Castro made an interesting revelation and rather had a sincere appeal to the former Manchester City star. As compiled by @X99i3 on X, the Al Nassr boss said, “I spoke with Laporte about him reviewing himself, and he must understand the importance of his presence, and we lost him in the final.”

Laporte missed last night’s six-goal thriller and now will be forced to miss the King Cup final. The defender was sent off during Al Nassr’s 2-2 draw against Al Riyadh after he deliberately punched rival striker Mohammed Al Aqel. Even Castro had expressed his discontent with the incident, acknowledging that his move was ‘wrong and harmed the team,’ hoping that the center back’s absence wouldn’t cost his teammates. Notably, the punishment didn’t end here for Laporte!

The Yellow and Blue reportedly deducted 25% of the salary after his red card. While Laporte would be frustrated not to be there to help his teammates in the finals, he reportedly has taken a different route against his own side!

Aymeric Laporte set to make desired move to Europe as he looks to part ways with Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr 

The rumor mill has been linking Aymeric Laporte with a move back to Europe. A few reports suggested that he even informed Al Nassr his desired destination was his former club, Athletic Bilbao. While the President of the Spanish side, Jon Uriarte, previously failed to secure the re-signing of the 29-year-old from Etihad last year, this time, things appear to be falling into place. Reports suggest the La Liga team has agreed to sign the center-back on loan with a buy-out option. 

Furthermore, it is understood that Laporte has agreed to a significant salary reduction to play in his home country. The former City player seems determined to depart despite only joining the Middle Eastern club last year. Additionally, the player has consistently expressed his desire to return to Europe since his arrival at Al Nassr, citing dissatisfaction with the hospitality in the Gulf country. But who knows, a pep talk from Luis Castro highlighting his importance may eventually change his mind!