Highly-rated Manchester City centre-back dismisses Barcelona’s proposal

Manchester City center-back Aymeric Laporte has refused to join FC Barcelona. The Spaniard seems to be more than happy to play at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola. This comes as per Spanish outlet El Nacional.

Laporte, 27, has been a regular starter this season for the Cityzens alongside Ruben Dias in the defensive third. The defensive duo has been instrumental in the Citizen’s success, conceding only 9 goals in 18 matches, the least in the Premier League thus far.

Things were looking bleak at the start of this season for the 27-year-old with both John Stones and Ruben Diaz featuring consistently in Guardiola’s starting XI.
The Spaniard though was able to rise through the ranks with some commanding performances, which even gained him a place in Luis Enrique’s side in the Euros.

The city’s backline is by far the most formidable one in the premier league, if not in Europe. Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, and Joao Cancelo (right to left) are just impeccable every time they step onto the field for the Skyblues.

The former Athletic club man was linked heavily with a potential return to the La-Liga with the Spaniard being an admirer of his countryman Xavi Hernadez. Barcelona is keen on reinforcing its defensive line after securing the prized signature of Ferran Torres for £55 million.

The Catalans have now set their sight on signing a premium center-back to accompany Ronald Araujo in the defensive third. Xavi’s men haven’t been the best while coming to defense, conceding nearly 2 goals per match off-late.

The likes of dutchman Matthijs De Ligt are being considered, with the good relations between the player’s agent (Mino Raiola) and Barca president, Joan Laporta coming in as a potential aid for the Blaugrana. However, it will only go ahead if Barcelona manages to offload the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Umititi this winter.

Laporte has regained the faith of Pep Guardiola and is looking set for a long haul with the defending champions. I don’t consider this deal happening any time soon even though it would guarantee a spot for the center-back in a struggling Blaugrana backline.