Real Madrid target set to become enticing free agent this summer

Real Madrid could be in with a chance of securing former centre-back Aymeric Laporte on a free transfer this summer, with no guarantees that Dean Huijsen will arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The centre of defence has been a persistent issue for Madrid this season, with David Alaba suffering niggling fitness issues since returning from a long-term ACL absence, Eder Militao ruled with his own ACL issue for the second time in as many years, and even Antonio Rudiger not bulletproof.

Having enjoyed a breakout campaign with Bournemouth and impressing on his international debut for Spain in March, Huijsen has been courted by Madrid. The 20-year-old has a £50m (€59m) release clause that can be paid in three parts, making it an attractive proposition.

A curious alternative avenue that is presenting itself, however, is Laporte.

AS poses the question amid reports from Saudi Arabia that Laporte has been in talks with Al Nassr to end his contract a year early. There is a suggestion he could imminently become a free agent, having not featured in either game played so far this month.

Laporte joined Al Nassr for the equivalent of €30m (£25m) in 2023, after five-and-a-half-years with Manchester City had yielded five Premier League titles. He had been a regular for City before and after a long-term knee injury suffered in August 2019. But, having missed the start of the club's 2022/23 treble season, he failed to win his starting place back when fit.

That prompted the Spain international to join the Saudi Pro League rush, but he still played a major for Spain at last summer's triumphant European Championship.

Laporte turns 31 years of age at the end of this month and could be a smart addition for Madrid, at least in the short-term, should Huijsen ultimately look elsewhere instead.

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