Aymeric

Laporte

Stylish spanish defender...

Aymeric Laporte was a January 2018 acquisition, signed from Athletic Bilbao midway through Pep Guardiola’s second season.

The 27-year-old arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising defenders.

Left-footed and recognised for his calmness, strength and passing ability, his standing has only grown in the 18 months since and he was rewarded with a contract extension in February 2019, which ties him to the Club until 2025.

French-born, but of Basque descent, Laporte is a product of Bilbao’s youth academy but began his senior career in Spain’s fourth tier with CD Basconia in 2011.

He returned to Bilbao after one season, playing in the B team before making his first-team debut aged 18.

By 20 and having showcased his skill and potential at both left-back and his preferred centre-half position, he had been named in the La Liga Team of the Year.

In his six seasons with the Basque Country club he became a first-team regular, playing 222 times, netting 10 goals and helping them to a 2015 Supercopa de Espana triumph – their first silverware for 31-years.

Aymeric’s City career got off to a winning start with a 3-0 victory over West Brom, one day after his transfer was confirmed.

He settled quickly and produced a series of impressive displays, playing 13 times and ending his debut season with Premier League and Carabao Cup winners’ medals.

He was imperious in 2018/19 and one of the standout performers as City swept the board domestically, making 51 appearances and starting in the Community Shield, Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins.

Laporte missed much of the 2019/20 campaign with injury, but returned for the 2020/21 season, making 27 appearances in all competitions.

He was again outstanding throughout the 2021/22 season, making 44 starts as City clinched a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

Laporte represented France at junior level but in May 2021, he received approval from FIFA to become eligible to play for Spain and was selected for Euro 2020, scoring his first international goal in the group stage against Slovakia.

He was also part of the Spanish squad that reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, making three appearances in total at the tournament.