Aymeric Laporte Returns to Athletic Bilbao: What His Comeback Means for the Club

Aymeric Laporte returns to Athletic Bilbao, and the football world is buzzing with excitement. After years of success at Manchester City, Laporte’s decision to return home to San Mamés is more than just a transfer — it’s a reunion filled with passion, history, and expectations. For Bilbao supporters, his comeback represents loyalty, strength, and a chance to restore the club’s defensive dominance.

Aymeric Laporte’s Journey: From San Mamés to the World Stage

Early Days at Bilbao

Laporte joined Athletic Bilbao’s academy at a young age, fitting perfectly into the club’s philosophy of recruiting players with Basque heritage. He made his first-team debut in 2012 and quickly grew into one of the most promising defenders in Spain. His composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to play out from the back made him a natural fit for modern football.

The Move to Manchester City

In 2018, Pep Guardiola identified Laporte as the missing piece in City’s defensive puzzle. The Premier League club paid around €65 million for him, making him one of the most expensive defenders in the world at the time.

At Manchester City, Laporte won:

• 5 Premier League titles

• 2 FA Cups

• 3 EFL Cups

• 1 UEFA Champions League

His time in England cemented him as a world-class defender, even though injuries occasionally interrupted his progress.

A New Adventure in Saudi Arabia

In 2023, Laporte joined Al-Nassr, teaming up with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. While financially lucrative, the move was widely seen as a step away from Europe’s elite competitions. But for Laporte, it was a chance to experience a different football culture.

The Return to San Mamés

Now, in 2025, Laporte is back where it all began—San Mamés. His return wasn’t just another transfer—it was an emotional homecoming welcomed with open arms by Bilbao supporters.

Why Aymeric Laporte’s Return Matters

1. Defensive Stability

Athletic Bilbao has long been admired for its fighting spirit but often lacked consistency in defense. Laporte brings world-class experience, improving the team’s ability to handle high-pressure situations against La Liga’s elite sides like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.

2. Leadership and Experience

At 31, Laporte is in the prime years for a defender. Having played under Pep Guardiola and alongside legends like Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, and Sergio Agüero, he brings invaluable leadership qualities. His presence in the dressing room can inspire younger players such as Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams.

3. Emotional and Cultural Impact

For a club like Bilbao, which relies heavily on identity and pride, the return of a player developed in their academy carries enormous weight. Laporte isn’t just another signing—he is a symbol of continuity, tradition, and loyalty.

Tactical Impact on Athletic Bilbao

Manager Ernesto Valverde is known for building organized, disciplined teams. With Laporte back, Valverde gains a defender who is:

• Comfortable in possession: Laporte can launch attacks from the back with precise passing.

• Versatile in formation: He fits in both a traditional back four and a back three system.

• Aerially dominant: His height and timing make him reliable against set-pieces.

Possible Partnerships

• Laporte + Yeray Álvarez: A combination of composure and physicality.

• Laporte + Iñigo Lekue: A partnership that could balance experience and pace.

• Laporte + Dani Vivian: Blending leadership with youth development.

This flexibility gives Valverde the chance to build one of La Liga’s most formidable defenses.

What Laporte’s Return Says About Athletic Bilbao’s Philosophy

Athletic Bilbao is famous for its Basque-only policy, which restricts player recruitment to those born or developed in the Basque region. This makes transfers like Laporte’s even more significant because the club cannot shop freely in the global market.

By bringing back Laporte, Bilbao reinforces its commitment to tradition while still showing ambition. It’s a reminder that the club doesn’t just build players for others—they can also reclaim them at their peak.

Potential Impact on Bilbao’s La Liga Ambitions

Athletic Bilbao has consistently been a mid-to-upper table team in La Liga, with occasional runs into Europe. But with Laporte back, the club could aim higher.

Short-Term Goals

• Secure a top-six finish to guarantee European football.

• Improve defensive record against Spain’s top sides.

Long-Term Goals

• Challenge for a Champions League spot.

• Revive hopes of winning a domestic trophy, something that has eluded the club for decades.

Laporte’s leadership could be the difference between Athletic being just a respected club and becoming a genuine contender again.

Fans’ Reactions: A Return Filled with Joy

Social media exploded with excitement when Laporte’s return was announced. Fans posted old highlights of his early days at San Mamés, reminiscing about his rise from the academy. The general sentiment was clear: this transfer feels like family coming home.

The first match at San Mamés after his return promises to be electric. For many supporters, seeing Laporte in red-and-white again will be a goosebump-inducing moment.

Challenges Ahead

While Laporte’s return brings optimism, there are challenges:

• Fitness Concerns: Laporte has had injury setbacks in the past. Maintaining consistent fitness will be key.

• Adjustment Period: Returning to La Liga after years away might take time.

• Pressure of Expectations: Fans will expect Laporte to deliver immediately, and managing those expectations will be important.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Signing

Aymeric Laporte’s return to Athletic Bilbao is not just about football—it’s about identity, tradition, and pride. For the club, it means a stronger defense, a leader in the dressing room, and a renewed sense of ambition. For the fans, it’s about reconnecting with one of their own.

In an era where football is often dominated by money and global transfers, Laporte’s comeback is a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moves are about going home.

As the Basque crowd chants his name at San Mamés, one thing is clear: this is more than just a transfer—it’s a story of belonging.