Athletic Bilbao have re-signed Aymeric Laporte from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr after FIFA approved the delayed transfer of the Spanish defender, the La Liga club confirmed on Thursday.
Bilbao initially moved to bring Laporte back to San Mamés on 1 September, but the deal failed to go through before the transfer window closed. Spanish media reported that Al-Nassr had not submitted the required documentation into FIFA’s Transfer Matching System on time. A request by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) for an exemption was rejected by FIFA earlier this month.
In a statement, Bilbao said it had authorised the RFEF to seek an International Transfer Certificate from the Saudi federation. The club later confirmed the move had been finalised, with Laporte signing a three-year contract.
The 31-year-old made 222 appearances during his first spell with the Basque side before joining Manchester City in 2018. During his time in England, Laporte won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League, before leaving for Al-Nassr in 2023.
Bilbao currently sit second in La Liga after winning all three of their opening matches. They host Alavés on Saturday.
