Barcelona offered the chance to sign Spain World Cup winner but club not interested – here’s why | OneFootball

A key reason for Spain’s success in the 2026 FIFA World Cup was their defensive solidity, with the team conceding just one goal in the entire tournament.

Most of the credit should go to the central defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte. The two complemented each other very well through the tournament and stood as an unbreakable wall.

Cubarsi has received a lot of praise for his performances, but Laporte, too, has shown he still has what it takes to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Barcelona offered the chance to sign Laporte

Laporte could be a solid signing for Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporte offered his services to Barcelona during the World Cup, keen on a move back to the club he came close to joining on multiple occasions in the past.

On paper, the appeal is obvious. Barcelona have long been searching for a natural left-footed centre-back to partner Cubarsi, and Laporte fits that profile perfectly.

Their understanding for Spain throughout the tournament only strengthened the argument that the veteran could slot seamlessly into Hansi Flick’s backline and provide the balance and experience the defence has lacked.

Laporte, who is under contract with Athletic Bilbao until 2028, remains highly regarded for his quality and delivered a string of commanding displays for the world champions.

Why are Barcelona not signing Laporte?

Barcelona are not keen on negotiations with Athletic. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

Despite the clear on-paper fit, Barcelona are not interested, and there are a couple of reasons behind that stance.

Firstly, Flick feels no urgent need to strengthen his defence. The German has complete faith in Gerard Martin as his left-sided centre-back, and also has Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Alvaro Cortes and Ronald Araujo, should the Uruguayan stay.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, any deal would be complicated. Laporte does not have a release clause, meaning Barcelona would have to negotiate directly with Athletic for a player with two years left on his contract.

Given the bitter saga surrounding the Nico Williams pursuit in 2024 and 2025, Barcelona have no desire to enter another complicated and potentially hostile negotiation with the Basque club.

That, combined with their existing depth, effectively rules out a move for the 32-year-old.