With Europe’s Return Already Confirmed, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Teammate Eyeing Move to Spain- Reports

People are slowly coming to grips with the reality of the Saudi Pro League. At first, it was heralded as a killer of European soccer and attracted elite stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, and more. However, the much-talked-about departure of Jordan Henderson showed that the league still has some polishing work to do. Following Henderson’s heels, an Al Nassr star expressed his desire to move back to Europe. As per the latest reports, the star has decided where he wants to play next.

As per the news-based X account @Nfcdiario, Aymeric Laporte is eyeing a move to Spain. Additionally, the report states that Laporte wants to make a move this summer, following the league’s conclusion in May. He also commented previously, “I will very likely return to Europe in the future.”  With the French defender having a 3-year contract with the Knights of Najd, it remains to be seen whether the club agrees to a transfer or a contract termination. Regardless, one thing is clear.

The classy defender’s potential departure will be a big blow to Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. Having joined from treble-winners Manchester City, Laporte is not only a defensive lynchpin but a playmaker from deep. He also has a decent goal threat and can anyone forget his stunner from the halfway line against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami?

When fit, Laporte is a guaranteed name in Luis Castro’s XI alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Hence, it seems puzzling as to why he wants to end his stint in Saudi Arabia despite being a huge hit. Well, Laporte’s unhappiness stems from things outside the pitch.

The reason why Laporte wants to leave Cristiano Ronaldo & Co

Previously, the star defender had revealed that he was not happy with Al Nassr’s contract negotiations. He had said, “They [Saudi clubs] haven’t made it too easy for us. In fact, there are many players who are unhappy… They really go their own way. You negotiate something and then they don’t accept it after you have signed it. They fight you… It’s a little bit of a thing that I don’t know about in Europe.” Perhaps Al Nassr forced Laporte to a contract with less money?

Moreover, having lived in Europe for a long time, Laporte was not keen on the quality of life in Riyadh. He had said, “In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car. Riyadh is a lot of traffic, a lot of time wasted in the car.” While it seems clear Laporte wants to leave the Middle East, can Cristiano Ronaldo & Co really let him leave? Tell us in the comments below.