Sport
“Real Madrid Should Pick Saliba, Not Laporte” – Alkorta
Former Athletic Bilbao sporting director Rafael Alkorta has advised Real Madrid to look to Arsenal’s young center-back William Saliba over Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Alkorta believes that investing in Saliba, a promising 22-year-old French talent, would offer long-term benefits for Madrid, with potential to secure the club’s defense for a decade, unlike the 30-year-old Laporte who would offer only a short-term solution.
Alkorta, who has been closely involved in Spanish football for years, suggested that Saliba’s qualities would fit Real Madrid’s tradition of making smart investments in young talents.
Since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne, Saliba has grown into one of Europe’s most exciting defenders, impressing with his physicality, composure, and tactical awareness.
His performances have contributed significantly to Arsenal’s recent success, making him a sought-after name among top clubs.
At just 22, he has a high resale value and the potential to become a cornerstone in any backline.
In contrast, Aymeric Laporte, though a proven defender with significant experience in La Liga and the Premier League, might not be an ideal long-term option for Los Blancos.
Laporte, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, is an excellent defender, known for his strong passing skills and experience.
He played a pivotal role at Manchester City, where he contributed to multiple titles before making the move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.
However, given his age, Laporte would be more of a short-term reinforcement than a strategic long-term investment.
Speaking with Cadena SER, Alkorta shared his views, stating, I would hold off on a January signing and wait to consider Laporte only as a backup option.
Real Madrid is cautious about their transfers and usually makes few mistakes in this area.
Spending 80 million euros on a young, promising player like Saliba could mean 10 years of stability for the team’s defense, Alkorta added.
Nigerian politician Peter Obi reacts to the viral incident that occurred in Delta State.
It can be noted that Obi is reacting to the clip of a police officer shooting and killing an already restrained suspect.
Obi stated that it was a serious violation and abuse of power “The extrajudicial killing of a young Nigerian in Effurun, Delta State, by a police officer, Mr. Mene Ogidi, is not only barbaric but also a grave violation of the rule of law.
“Over time, human society has moved away from an era when lives could be taken without consequence. Through the evolution of civilisation, a fundamental principle has emerged: no one should be punished or deprived of life without due process and a fair determination of guilt.”
It has been reported that a four-year ban has been placed on Chelsea’s player, Mykhailo Mudryk, for anti-doping violations.
The player appealed in court on February 25 but has now been handed his punishment, which is a four-year ban from football.
It can be recalled that his last appearance on the field was on November 28, 2024.
Manchester United player Benjamin Šeško expresses gratitude to teammate Bruno Fernandes after the team’s 2-1 win against Brentford in the Premier League.
The player said it was their training together that helped them score against Brentford.
He shared in a recent interview, “Bruno Fernandes and I work a lot in training, and it is paying off. Knowing I have a teammate with this quality is a pleasure, and I have to use it.”
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