Aheed Abrar
Al-Nassr switch focus to Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte from Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly
Manchester City defender Aymetic Laporte is set to be pursued by Al-Nassr this summer instead of Manchester United star Eric Bailly, according to Sky Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Riyadh-based club have switched their focus to the Spain international and are unlikely to pursue the Red Devils’ centre-back. It remains to be seen whether the Saudi Pro League outfit will be able to get a hold of the former Athletic Bilbao player.
As things stand, Bailly is surplus to requirements at the Old Trafford side. To that end, the 29-year-old is currently exploring options for his future. The Ivorian had an offer from Turkish giants Besiktas but has decided against the move.
Saudi Arabia has attracted some quality talent from European teams this summer. The latest addition to the Middle Eastern country’s league is Neymar, who joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain.
Laporte signed for City in January 2017 and has been a big part of their success since. However, Pep Guardiola has preferred other options in his backline over the last few seasons.
Therefore, it is understandable that the Spaniard is looking for a move away from the Cityzens. The 29-year-old’s addition will be another coup for the Saudi Pro League and he is arguably a better defender than Bailly.
At the moment, United have enough depth in their backline. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have continued their partnership from last season this time around as well.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also still at Erik ten Hag’s disposal. Luke Shaw also put in some impressive performances as a central defender last season.
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Bailly has been injury-prone at the Old Trafford side since his arrival from Villarreal in the summer of 2016. The Ivorian has been unreliable at the club and a move away at this point seems like the best option for both parties.
