Six reasons why Barcelona are intent on signing Manchester City defender – report

Earlier this week, reports emerged claiming that Aymeric Laporte was looking to leave Manchester City in the summer and was prioritising a transfer to Barcelona. It was even stated that initial contacts had already taken place between the player and the Blaugrana to confirm their interest in the operation.

Laporte has been with Man City since 2018 but has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola of late, who has preferred Nathan Ake over him. It has compelled the Spanish international to consider a move away, with Barça emerging as a possible destination.

The Blaugrana are understood to be keen on signing the 28-year-old although any move would be possible only if they are able to navigate the Financial Fair Play problems successfully.

Amidst this, Mundo Deportivo has come up with a report outlining the reasons behind Barcelona’s pursuit of Laporte for the upcoming summer transfer window.

First and foremost, Laporte is a left-footed centre-back, something that appeals to Barcelona very much. As things stand, all their primary centre-halves – Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia, are right-footed.

Marcos Alonso offers a left-footed option but he is not a natural central defender. Hence, the interest in Laporte is strong from the Blaugrana’s side.

Secondly, the 28-year-old Spanish international’s ability on the ball and technical skills are seen as an advantage. Laporte has been successful at City in Guardiola’s setup due to his capability of building up play from the back, something that makes him a good fit at Barça.

On top of that, the report states that Barcelona have been following Laporte since he was 18 years old and playing at Athletic Club and have had nothing but good reports on him. Back in 2013, the club thought of his signing but wanted to back Marc Bartra’s development.

After that point, Laporte’s price kept on rising while Barça invested in other left-footed centre-backs like Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel Umtiti. With the chance now presenting to sign him finally, they want to strike.

Furthermore, Laporte’s experience in the Premier League is highly-valued by the Blaugrana. They have brought in a number of players from England in recent times such as Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, and Marcos Alonso and want to make the Man City ace the next addition.

Beyond that, Barcelona are also intent on taking advantage of Laporte’s longing to play in La Liga. The defender has won a host of titles and trophies under Guardiola but seems keen on coming back to Spain and the Blaugrana who have held an interest in him under different managers in the past, wish to pounce.

Finally, what appeals to the Blaugrana is that Laporte is experienced in La Liga, having played with Athletic’s first team for five years while he also was a regular for Spain under Luis Enrique. Due to this, Barça believe his adaptation to the club will be easy.