Guardiola turns sights on Mahrez after sealing club-record transfer
● New £57m signing Laporte reveals the chance to work with City boss was a key factor in his move to the Etihad
the chance to work with Pep Guardiola was key to his move to the Etihad Stadium. The French defender
0 Defender Aymeric Laporte has signed a five-year contract. completed his switch from Athletic Bilbao after City paid his £57million buy-out clause.
The fee eclipses the £54million City paid for Kevin De Bruyne in 2015.
Laporte joins a club 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League and still alive in three cup competitions under the inspirational leadership of former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager Guardiola.
The 23-year-old, who has signed a five-year contract, told City TV: “I have always followed him, when he was with other clubs as well. I have always been fascinated by him, especially when I have had the chance to watch him.
“We both have the same style of play, so that’s great. Obviously having Pep Guardiola as manager of your team changes lots of things. He is a very prestigious manager and we must take advantage of that to learn and to improve.”
Laporte will add strength to a central defensive department which has appeared light due to captain Vincent Kompany’s regular fitness issues and the inconsistencies of Eliaquim Mangala.
Laporte will challenge John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, who have formed an effective partnership this season, for a place.
Guardiola said: “He is a young player, 23, 24 years old. He is a left-footed, central defender and has played since a young age in Laliga, on the biggest stages.
“He is strong in the air, fast, good quality with the pass, so I am delighted, happy and grateful for what the club has done.”
City previously tried to sign Laporte, who is a France Under-21 international, soon after Guardiola’s arrival in the summer of 2016 but the player did not think the move was right at that time.
Guardiola said: “In that time it was not possible because he decided to remain in Bilbao.”