Manchester City’s forgotten man set to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

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PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester City’s forgotten man set to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Mark Kinyanjui 12:20 - 16.08.2023

The left-footed defender struggled for playing time last season and will now be further down the pecking order following Josko Gvadiol's arrival.

Manchester City's French-born Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte seems destined to be heading for the exit door after treble winners accepted an undisclosed offer from Al-Nassr on Wednesday morning.

The Saudi Pro League side - who boast stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and Alex Telles – have moved quickly to seal a deal for the Spaniard.

Laporte, who is currently in Athens with City preparing for the Super Cup final against Sevilla set to take place on Wednesday night, struggled for games last season – largely due to Nathan Ake’s form – and is open to joining Al-Nassr.

The 29-year-old has won all five Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola and quickly became a key member of the squad when arriving from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018.

But his days appeared to be numbered with the capture of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol and his five years at the Etihad Stadium are coming to an end.

Guardiola is still hopeful of two more signings, adding to Gvardiol and compatriot Mateo Kovacic, as they look to do business in central midfield and out wide.

Jeremy Doku of Rennes wants to seal a switch to City before the window closes and his move is now reliant on the two clubs agreeing a fee.

City also remain in negotiations with West Ham United over Lucas Paqueta. 

The Brazilian was a target before Kevin De Bruyne’s hamstring injury yet it appears more imperative now that City land him, although the valuations are some distance apart.