Laporte to OM: dream gone or just a pause in the case?

Friends, let's be clear: the Aymeric Laporte track at OM seems to be on its last legs. For weeks, we dreamed of seeing the Spanish international arrive at the Vélodrome to stabilize our defense. But here we are, despite the club's efforts and the hopes of the entire Marseille community, Laporte is still with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, we've spent 22 million (including bonuses) on Facundo Medina. So, is the Laporte case really over?

Athletic Bilbao: competitors or gravediggers of our hopes?

Let's not kid ourselves, Bilbao is currently in pole position in this matter. The Basque club, qualified for the next Champions League, absolutely wants to bring back their former protégé, who wore their colors from 2012 to 2018. And here's a little detail that matters: Laporte's wife is from Bilbao. Could this be a decisive lever to convince the player? We all know the importance of family ties in such decisions, especially at this point in a career (Laporte is 31, let’s not forget).

Contractual situation and finances: a real headache

For now, Laporte is still tied to Al-Nassr until 2026, and an amicable termination has been mentioned. But nothing is set. As for valuation, Transfermarkt mentions €15 M. It's not completely unaffordable, but we have to see if OM is ready to make another move after Medina's arrival. Especially since Bilbao seems highly motivated and probably has more arguments to offer on sentimental… and sporting grounds, with the Champions League in sight.

Should OM still make an attempt?

So the real question is: should we, OM, persist with Laporte or move on? From a sporting perspective, his experience would be invaluable, but is it wise to break the bank after spending big on Medina? And in terms of the locker room, two potential starters for the same position can quickly cause trouble. Unless one is destined for a rotation, but with such a salary, it's rarely the case…

Let's talk among ourselves!

So, guys, what do you think? Should we still hope for Laporte or turn the page and focus on other reinforcements (midfield, attack…)? Tell us everything in the comments, share your analyses, your concerns, or your rants. We're here to debate, like at the counter, and our OM deserves it!