Few can claim that £57 million for a player is a bargain, but Aymeric Laporte for Manchester City is surely making that statement easier to argue.
The centre-back, arriving at the Etihad a year ago from Athletic Bilbao for a good £19 million cheaper than it cost Liverpool for Virgil Van Dijk in the same transfer window. Similar to the Dutchman moving from Southampton to Merseyside, at the time, Laporte became the club’s record-signing (this has since been surpassed by Riyad Mahrez’ arrival).
12 months on, he has however made a simply stunning start to life in England and has almost certainly asserted himself as one of the first names on manager Pep Guardiola’s team-sheet.
The 24-year-old defender has featured in all of Man City’s Premier League games this campaign, starting in all but one, completing a (outfield) team-high record minutes so far, and proving his versatility on occasion at left-back.
Laporte’s passing completion is simply stunning to complement his defensive capabilities, and his impressiveness in the Cityzens’ title challenge has put him well in the running for PFA Player of the Year.
His current contract already runs until 2023 but the club have already opened talks to provide him with a brand-spanking new one (SkySports) and Manchester City fans, so enamoured with the Frenchman, all seemed to be thinking the same thing.
“Lifetime contract needed” (@AymericEdition)
“Needed a lifetime contract Aymeric!” (@lightning_leroy)
“Give him the captaincy and a lifetime contract (@RHarvey_44)
Hopefully Laporte lifetime contract then. (@Citysbs)
You have already signed a new contract in my heart (@_Amr_21)
Laporte is the 2nd best defender Ive seen at this club since a peak [Vincent] Kompany. New contract would be lovely (@fuerte_apache)
Sign that contract boy!! (@agonmulajj)
Laporte has already won a Premier League title and a League Cup with the club, and is likely to add to his silverware collection with City still competing on all four fronts this season.
He is likely to start in the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday when they take on Chelsea.
