FIFA U-turn on Aymeric Laporte transfer as governing body finally approve ex-Man City defender's move from Al-Nassr to Athletic Club in La Liga

Laporte, 31, was close to joining La Liga side Athletic on September 1 but the move could not be completed before the transfer deadline passed. Reports soon emerged from Spain indicating the transfer fell through because Al-Nassr failed to send the necessary documents on time.

Athletic subsequently appealed to FIFA in the hope that an exception could be made, but world football's governing body initially rejected their request on September 3. However Ernesto Valverde's side announced on Thursday that FIFA had changed its decision, paving the way for Spain international Laporte to sign a three-year contract with the club.

Following FIFA's decision to allow the transfer, a statement on Athletic's official club website read: "Athletic Club can confirm that FIFA has authorised the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

"Once this ITC has been issued, Aymeric Laporte will be able to register with Athletic Club."

FIFA's decision to allow the move sees Laporte complete a dream return to Athletic. The defender emerged through the youth academy in 2012 and went on to make 222 appearances in all competitions for the Lions, scoring 10 goals. He joined Manchester City in 2018 and lifted 13 major honours with Pep Guardiola's side before joining Al-Nassr in 2023.

Laporte could feature when Athletic return to La Liga action against Alaves on Saturday. Valverde's men will then get their Champions League campaign under way when they entertain Arsenal at the San Mames on September 16.