Real Madrid-linked defender valued at €80 million; Barcelona also interested | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid rebuild has been largely defined by aggressive spending this summer, and the Portuguese is not done yet, with another centre-back firmly on his agenda.

Among the names to have been floated is Aymeric Laporte, fresh off a commanding World Cup campaign with Spain.

But a move for the veteran looks anything but simple.

A steep asking price

Laporte has had a brilliant World Cup campaign. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

According to Diario AS, Athletic Club have no desire to offload the star defender for cheap, valuing Laporte at his €80 million release clause and refusing to entertain anything less.

Interestingly, the concrete interest so far has come from Barcelona rather than Real Madrid, with Deco having enquired directly.

Los Blancos, meanwhile, have been mentioned only as admirers, with no formal approach made. Athletic’s response to Barcelona was emphatic, and there is little reason to think Real Madrid would receive a different answer.

Laporte’s performances in Spain’s triumph have driven his value up considerably. His understanding with Pau Cubarsi anchored the meanest defence in World Cup history, and at 32, he still has two years left on the deal he signed upon returning to San Mames last summer.

Is Laporte worth the outlay?

Laporte’s age-profile does not suit Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

From Real Madrid’s perspective, the case against a move is a compelling one.

Having already reshaped their backline with the arrivals of Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries, the squad is far from short of defensive bodies.

Mourinho may want one more centre-back, but sanctioning €80 million for a player the wrong side of 30 sits awkwardly with the profile of signings the club has otherwise pursued this window, most of whom are in their prime or younger.

Negotiating with Athletic is another task, for any club in Europe. The Basque outfit are notoriously stubborn in the market, rarely selling below clause value, which makes any deal both costly and drawn-out.

Not to mention, Real Madrid have already turned down this exact opportunity once earlier this summer, largely due to his age profile. It is unlikely Los Blancos would like to revisit their interest.