Summer transfer collapse! Barcelona called off €15m move for Aymeric Laporte

Barcelona came remarkably close to orchestrating a high-profile defensive signing this summer.

Details: According to The Athletic, Athletic Club defender Aymeric Laporte was eager to complete a transfer to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, with club president Joan Laporta enthusiastically backing the potential move. The Catalan hierarchy was initially informed that the 32-year-old Spain international could be acquired for approximately €15 million, prompting direct talks between the parties.

However, negotiations hit an immovable barrier once Barcelona discovered that Athletic Club had no intention of sanctioning the centre-back's departure. Despite Laporte's explicit desire to secure a move to Catalonia, the Basque outfit firmly shut the door on any potential sale.

Realizing that the Bilbao hierarchy would not enter discussions or facilitate an exit, Barcelona chose to walk away entirely from the transaction rather than engage in an unfeasible negotiation.

It is worth noting that according to Transfermarkt, the 32-year-old Spanish international defender's current market value stands at €12 million.

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