Cristiano Ronaldo set to lose big-name Al-Nassr team-mate after Asian Champions League heartbreak as Marseille close in on summer transfer for former £57m Manchester City star

Cristiano Ronaldo is all set to lose one of his key teammates in Aymeric Laporte this summer, according to a report from La Provence. The former Manchester City star is potentially nearing an exit from the Saudi Pro League, with Ligue 1 giants Marseille in advanced talks to sign the centre-back.

Laporte moved to Al-Nassr from Man City in the summer of 2023 for a fee of €30 million (£26m/$34m). Since then, the French-born Spanish international failed to achieve much success with Ronaldo and Co., both domestically and continentally. Following Al-Nassr's latest AFC Champions League heartbreak, where they lost 3-2 to Japanese outfit Kawasaki Frontale in the semi-finals, the 30-year-old is keen on a return to Europe.

Marseille have flourished this season under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi, and the Italian manager is now looking to reinforce his backline ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League. De Zerbi is targeting a defender with both experience and leadership qualities to anchor his side in Europe. Thus, Laporte has emerged as a key target, reportedly intrigued by the prospect of joining Les Olympiens, particularly with the lure of Champions League football on offer for the 2025–26 campaign. Per the report from La Provence, Marseille are in advanced stages of negotiating a deal with Laporte.

Laporte will next be seen in action on Wednesday, May 7, as third-placed Al-Nassr prepare to face the Karim Benzema-led Al-Ittihad, who are currently leading the table with a six-point lead over reigning champions Al-Hilal.