Al Nassr Shocks Fans with Major Star Exit Following Joao Felix Blockbuster Deal

Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has announced that Aymeric Laporte is set to depart the club in the wake of João Félix's recent signing.

Following a disappointing spell at Chelsea, Félix completed his expected departure from Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, joining fellow Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. The 25-year-old's transfer cost the Saudi Pro League club £43.7 million ($57.8 million), making him the player with the fourth-highest combined transfer fees in football history.

The Portuguese forward's arrival will coincide with the departure of another European player, as Laporte is expected to leave Al Nassr soon—news that Jesus disclosed following the team's recent 2–1 pre-season victory against Toulouse.

"Laporte will be departing and we'll be bringing in a center-back," stated the 71-year-old manager, who took charge of Al Nassr in July after previous spells with Al Hilal.

The Spanish center-back joined the Asian club in 2023 and has featured in 69 matches for Al Nassr, netting nine goals since his £23.5 million ($30 million) transfer from Manchester City. He also claimed Euro 2024 glory with Spain while playing in Saudi Arabia.

While Laporte's future club remains unknown, he has been heavily rumored to be returning to former team Athletic Club. He featured in 222 matches for the Basque side from 2012 to 2018.

Athletic Club are currently short on defensive options in central defense, with their problems worsened by Unai Egiluz's recent pre-season injury. Aitor Paredes is also sidelined through injury, leaving the La Liga side with only two available senior center-backs.

"Right now, I'm not expecting anything; we'll wait and see. I'm concentrating on what we currently have available," Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde said when questioned about potential defensive reinforcements.