Barcelona face fresh obstacle in pursuit of Spanish World Cup champion | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s interest in Aymeric Laporte remains active following the defender’s impressive World Cup campaign, but completing a deal may prove more complicated than initially expected.

According to SPORT, Athletic Club are challenging reports surrounding Laporte’s release clause and insist the amount required to sign the Spain international is significantly higher.

Laporte has emerged as an attractive market opportunity for Barcelona after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup alongside Pau Cubarsi.

The experienced centre-back has reportedly been offered to Barca by his representatives, with the club viewing him as a player capable of providing the same leadership and reliability that Inigo Martinez once brought to the squad.

However, Athletic have no intention of negotiating.

The Basque club are said to be insisting that any interested team must trigger Laporte’s release clause, while also dismissing suggestions that it stands at between €12 million and €15 million. Instead, they believe the true figure is roughly double that amount.

That stance reflects both Laporte’s importance and the tense relationship that still exists between the two clubs following the Nico Williams saga.

Barcelona would still need a defensive exit

Even if Barcelona were prepared to meet the financial demands, another issue remains.

Hansi Flick already has five senior central defenders available in Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin, with Garcia also capable of filling in at right-back or in midfield.

That depth means a departure would almost certainly be required before another centre-back could arrive.

From Barcelona’s perspective, though, Laporte is an understandable target. He brings elite experience, left-footed balance and leadership, and already has an excellent understanding with Cubarsi after their outstanding partnership for Spain during the World Cup.

At 32, he would not be viewed as a long-term signing, but rather as an experienced addition capable of helping Barcelona compete immediately while guiding the club’s younger defenders.

Whether that opportunity becomes a reality will depend on several factors.