Barcelona decided against pursuing a move for World Cup winning Spaniard – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have decided against pursuing Aymeric Laporte, despite the experienced defender making himself available during Spain’s successful World Cup campaign.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca appreciate Laporte’s quality and his strong partnership with Pau Cubarsi, but the 32-year-old is not part of the sporting department’s plans for the 2026-27 season.

Hansi Flick does not view centre-back as an urgent area to strengthen unless someone leaves the club.

Gerard Martin has earned the coach’s full confidence on the left side of defence, while Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and academy defender Alvaro Cortes provide further depth.

Laporte would bring experience, leadership and excellent distribution. His performances alongside Cubarsi for Spain also showed how naturally the pair complement each other.

However, Barcelona have been informed that his contract with Athletic Club does not include a release clause. With two years remaining on his deal, any move would require direct negotiations between the clubs.

That is a route Barca have little interest in taking after the tension created by the Nico Williams situation in the summers of 2024 and 2025.

Barca are right to avoid an unnecessary battle

Laporte is a high-level defender, but not every attractive opportunity needs to become a transfer operation.

Barcelona already have sufficient depth in central defence, and spending time or money on a difficult negotiation would make little sense when Flick trusts the options available to him. Gerard Martin’s progress is especially important. Bringing in another left-footed centre-back could reduce his minutes just as he is establishing himself.

The age profile also matters. Laporte could offer immediate reliability, but at 32 he would not represent a long-term solution. Barca’s resources should be reserved for positions where the squad has a clearer weakness.

There is also no reason to reopen a difficult relationship with Athletic Club for a player the coach does not consider essential.