Aymeric Laporte is being tracked by both Real Madrid and Barcelona, with Gerard Romero saying Madrid have already sounded him out as they look for more defenders. Laporte is 32 and returned to La Liga last summer after spells with Manchester City and Al-Nassr. The report still stops at an initial enquiry, not anything more advanced.
Madrid's enquiry and Barcelona's interest
Romero's line was clear enough on the direction of travel. "Laporte is an option for both Barça and Madrid. They're not keen to admit it, but Madrid have also sounded out Laporte because they're looking for more defenders," he said on madriduniversal.com.
That leaves Madrid in the picture early, while Barcelona are at least keeping tabs on the same name. There is no claim here that talks have moved beyond that first contact, and the source material does not support any talk of an agreed fee or deal.
Why Madrid are looking at another centre-back
The link fits the wider Madrid need for defensive cover. Jose Mourinho has decided Raul Asencio does not feature in his plans, while Konate arrived from Liverpool on free transfer. Madrid finished second in La Liga 2025 with 86 points and 35 goals conceded, a strong season but not one that made extra centre-back options feel unnecessary.
Laporte's profile is also obvious. At 32, he is the kind of experienced short-term option clubs often look at when they want depth without a long wait. For now, the important detail is simple: Madrid have sounded him out, Barcelona are watching, and the enquiry remains at that stage.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
