FIFA Approves Laporte Transfer from Al-Nassr to Athletic Bilbao

Aymeric Laporte has officially returned to Athletic Bilbao after FIFA intervened to approve his transfer from Al Nassr, despite the move missing the Spanish transfer window deadline. Initially blocked due to Al Nassr's late submission of paperwork, FIFA's Dispute Chamber reviewed the case and authorized the Royal Spanish Football Federation to obtain his International Transfer Certificate, allowing Laporte to be registered with Athletic Bilbao. This transfer provides a crucial boost to Bilbao's defense, which has been depleted due to Yeray Álvarez's suspension, just as the club prepares for domestic competitions and the UEFA Champions League. Laporte, who previously made over 200 appearances for Athletic between 2012 and 2018 before spells at Manchester City and Al Nassr, returns at a pivotal moment to strengthen the team's back line. The timing is especially significant as Bilbao balances ambitions in La Liga and Europe, and the FIFA ruling even allows Laporte to be eligible for the Champions League despite UEFA's registration deadline having passed. The defender bid farewell to Al Nassr following FIFA's clearance, ending a brief tenure in Saudi Arabia.