Spanish international Laporte joins Al-Nassr from Man City
LONDON: Aymeric Laporte joined the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia on Thursday as the Manchester City defender moved to Al-Nassr in a deal worth a reported £23 million ($29 million). Spain center-back Laporte won 12 major honors during his successful spell with City. However, he fell out of favor at times during City’s treble-winning campaign and the close-season signing of Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol further restricted his chances of regular action. The 29-year-old is the latest City star to accept a lucrative switch to the Gulf State after Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez recently joined Al-Ahli. Laporte made 180 appearances for City after arriving from Athletic Bilbao for a then club record £57 million in January 2018. “I am proud to have represented Manchester City over the last six seasons,” Laporte said. “When I first joined, I was excited about the prospect of winning trophies.