‘Not surprising!’ – Man City fans react as Laporte eyes exit having held talks with potential next club

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Aymeric Laporte wants to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 28 year-old has had a very stop-start campaign up until this point for Manchester City, registering just 15 appearances across all competitions under Pep Guardiola, and contributing one assist in the process.

Knee surgery last summer meant the Spain international was absent for the opening matches of the 2022/23 season, while the World Cup break in the middle of the campaign, as well as a recent bout with illness, has seen Aymeric Laporte struggle for consistent game time.

It now appears as though Aymeric Laporte could actively go in search of a new club this summer, in an attempt to hold down a permanent spot as a central defender in the starting XI of a top European side.

According to Mundo Deportivo’s Fernando Polo, Laporte now wants to leave Manchester City and join La Liga giants FC Barcelona this summer, with ‘initial contacts’ having already taken place between the club and player’s camp.

It is stated that Camp Nou boss Xavi likes the player, and Barcelona themselves are also interested in Aymeric Laporte, as long as Manchester City agree to let him leave for a ‘reasonable amount’ and whether financial fair play allows them to make a move.

The report shared on Twitter gathered a number of replies from a wide range of Man City supporters.

@ItsLB_City: “Not surprising given lack of minutes. Shame..”

@nwanneka_omeche: “Not surprised tbh, he is one person i’m expecting to leave this summer. Game time situation.”

@_Ake47: “Wouldn’t be surprised because of the lack of game time. We either keep the 4 or bring in Gvardiol as well..”

@Twizzinn: “Not arsed about Laporte but what is the obsession with City players and going to barca???”

@debruynaaa: “It was sure since the day we brought Akanji”

@StevenMammy: “That’s not a problem at all. Akanji will fit in in his absence.”

@aXtrips: “Will always respect Laporte 👏 gave his 100% everytime. But don’t sell him for less than 65m”