A Saudi Pro League giant is reportedly standing in the way of one of their star players making a switch to Real Madrid.
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Following the departure of their captain Nacho Fernandez and with Leny Yoro choosing to join Manchester United, Los Blancos have seemingly re-entered the market to sign a central defender.
This reportedly led the Spanish and European champions to Aymeric Laporte.
The 30-year-old was part of the Spain side that was triumphant at the recently concluded 2024 UEFA European Championship, and his appearances have seemingly impressed Los Merengues, who are said to be keen on bringing him back to LALIGA, but only as a free agent.
The French-born defender is also believed to be eager on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, so much so that he is said to be willing to forgo the wages remaining on his lucrative contract with the Jeddah side to seal the switch in this window.
The former Athletic Club man was an ever-present for Al Nassr during the 2023/24 season, starting all 39 of the matches he was available for, but while he may be willing to give up the wages left on his current deal, it appears the most recent Saudi Pro League runners-up are not going to let Laporte go easy.
According to Diario AS, the Public Investment Fund-owned side will only allow the central defender to leave the club if his would-be suitors table a transfer fee.
The Knights of Najd are understood to have paid €27.5 million (R551 million) for his services last year, and want to recoup that investment.
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The same report states that this is not because they need the money particularly, but that it is a matter of pride for them. Madrid, on the other hand, are not willing to pay any transfer fee for Laporte, and are thus ready to wait for David Alaba to recover from his injury in order to have cover in central defence.
