The Saudi Pro League is done and dusted for Al Nassr. The Knights of Najd is set to finish second irrespective of the outcome against Al Ittihad. But, with a crucial King Cup encounter up ahead, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co’s recent form is far from impressive. Against Al Riyadh, Luis Castro’s side had to settle for a disappointing 2-2 draw. A major talking point in the match was the red card issued to star defender Aymeric Laporte. His send-off cost Al Nassr dearly and the centre-back is facing a ban. And now it seems Al Nassr has issued a penalty of their own.

As per reports on X, Aymeric Laporte will be deducted 25% of the salary as a result of him receiving a red card. Notably, this is not a one-off situation and this is the regulation followed after red cards. The Frenchman will undoubtedly be frustrated as he was already expected to face a 2-match ban. As a result, he won’t be able to help Cristiano Ronaldo’s side in the King Cup final against Al Hilal!

In the second half of the Al Riyadh match, Laporte got in a tangle with goalscorer Mohammed Al Aqel. In the 63rd minute, the defender held up the attacker and punched him! At that point, Al Nassr was losing 2-1 and captain Cristiano Ronaldo was not having a good match. All hope seemed lost but fortunately, substitute Al-Nemer came up clutch in the 97th minute.

If Aymeric Laporte indeed faces a two-match ban instead of 1, he will return to action only next season. But, there is a big possibility that the defender may have played his last ever game for Al Nassr.

Keen to leave Cristiano Ronaldo & Co, Aymeric Laporte’s next destination revealed!

The Saudi Pro League isn’t expected to be the final chapter in Aymeric Laporte’s career. He had recently said, “I will very likely return to Europe in the future.” However, Laporte’s decision to exit has nothing to do with sporting reasons. Rather the problem was with contract negotiations. He explained, “They [Saudi clubs] haven’t made it too easy for us. In fact, there are many players who are unhappy… They really go their own way.” The defender’s next move after leaving Cristiano Ronaldo’s side has also been leaked.

As per Marca, Laporte wants to return to his former side Athletic Bilbao next season. Bilbao’s president Jon Uriarte had made public his desire to sign the 29-year-old defender. However, a transfer won’t be easy. Laporte has a contract with Al Nassr until 2026. Hence, Bilbao will have to splash the cash if they want to add Cristiano Ronaldo’s current teammate to their squad.