Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has announced his departure from the club in a video on social media.
Laporte has reportedly agreed to join Al-Nassr after five-and-a-half-years in England.
The Spain international will become the latest high-profile player to sign for a Saudi Pro League club, with ex-City team-mate Riyad Mahrez among them after making the move to Al-Ahli last month.
“Dear Cityzens, today I wanted to share a story with you,” Laporte said in a video on Twitter that went on to show a highlights reel of his time at Man City.
“This is now our history. Thank you and see you really soon.”
Centre-back Laporte added in his social-media post: “It has lasted for five-and-a-half unforgettable years.
“Plenty of memories that I will keep forever close to my heart.”
Laporte will leave the Etihad after making 180 appearances for City, with his last outing for the club off the bench during their opening-day Premier League win at Burnley.
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After being restricted to a place among the substitutes for the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and the UEFA Super Cup triumph over Sevilla, he was absent from the matchday squad for last weekend’s win over Newcastle.
The arrival of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig has further pushed Laporte down the pecking order at City.
A powerful recruitment drive by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has seen Saudi Pro League teams – all PIF-owned – sign a plethora of the world’s best players this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson have all swapped the Premier League for the division in the Middle East during the past 12 months.
Laporte will now do the same after winning 13 trophies during his time at City, including five Premier League titles and last season’s Champions League.
Josko Gvardiol won plenty of admirers during Croatia's run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
The 21-year-old central defender is contracted until 2027, but has a hefty release clause that will become active in 2024.
As a result, clubs are likely to be competing to secure the Croatian's services in the next transfer window.
TOP STORY – CITY AND REAL PRIORITISE GVARDIOL SIGNING
Manchester City and Real Madrid have both made RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol their priority centre-back target for the next transfer window, according to 90min.
The report claims Leipzig wants £75m (€85m) for the Croatian defender, who almost joined Chelsea last off-season.
City and Real are also both in contention to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, complicating the Gvardiol move.
The report also claims City are willing to offload Aymeric Laporte to help facilitate any move.
ROUND-UP
– Liverpool are the favourites ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount in the off-season, reports Football Insider.
– Manchester United are keeping an eye on Joao Felix 's situation with the Atletico Madrid forward currently on loan at Chelsea, claims Mundo Deportivo. Chelsea have been linked with a permanent deal for the Portuguese.
– The Sun claims Leicester City are keen on re-signing Harry Maguire on loan from Manchester United amid talk he will exit Old Trafford.
– Arsenal 's desire to land Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus could see the Gunners offer up Granit Xhaka and Nicolas Pepe as part of a deal, reports Calciomercatoweb.
– Fichajes claims Manchester City and Chelsea will battle it out to sign Milan full-back Theo Hernandez.
– Barcelona have prioritised a move for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in the next transfer window, according to Fichajes.
Manchester United have reportedly made Tottenham striker Harry Kane their top priority when addressing their attacking options at the end of the season.
Kane, 29, has already stamped his legacy as one of the Premier League's greatest ever strikers, sitting third on the all-time goals list in the competition with 201. He also owns the record for the most goals ever scored for Tottenham (268) and is tied for the most goals representing England (53).
Despite his decorated personal resume, Tottenham are set for a 15th consecutive season without any silverware, and with their Champions League hopes for next campaign hanging on by a thread, they may have run out of time to prove to their star striker why he should stay.
TOP STORY – UNITED DETERMINED TO BRING KANE TO OLD TRAFFORD
According to the Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag has identified Kane as his primary target.
The report adds that they remain interested in Napoli's Victor Osimhen, as well as Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, but Kane is the top priority if they can make it happen.
With only one more season remaining on his contract, Kane will likely get his wish to leave if he decides he will certainly not sign a new deal, as the club would be risking a potential £100million sale if they hold onto him through the next transfer deadline.
But just because Tottenham may sell him does not mean he would land at Old Trafford, with Bayern Munich's well-documented interest still prevalent.
ROUND-UP
– Calciomercato is reporting Inter are interested in bringing in towering 24-year-old Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca from West Ham after a disappointing first season in the Premier League.
– According to Mundo Deportivo, 25-year-old Tottenham striker Richarlison is a candidate to replace Karim Benzema at Real Madrid, while Calciomercato adds Juventus are also keeping a close eye on Richarlison's availability.
– Roberto Firmino has offered his services to Barcelona as he seeks a new team for next season, per Sport.
– Football Insider is reporting Manchester United are in "pole position" to meet the £70m (€79m) asking price to sign 25-year-old Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, despite his repeated comments that he has no interest in leaving Spain.
– Journalist Rudy Galetti claims Chelsea are interested in a pair of 28-year-old centre backs – Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez.
Manchester United have reportedly made Tottenham striker Harry Kane their top priority when addressing their attacking options at the end of the season.
Kane, 29, has already stamped his legacy as one of the Premier League's greatest ever strikers, sitting third on the all-time goals list in the competition with 201. He also owns the record for the most goals ever scored for Tottenham (268) and is tied for the most goals representing England (53).
Despite his decorated personal resume, Tottenham are set for a 15th consecutive season without any silverware, and with their Champions League hopes for next campaign hanging on by a thread, they may have run out of time to prove to their star striker why he should stay.
TOP STORY – UNITED DETERMINED TO BRING KANE TO OLD TRAFFORD
According to the Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag has identified Kane as his primary target.
The report adds that they remain interested in Napoli's Victor Osimhen, as well as Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, but Kane is the top priority if they can make it happen.
With only one more season remaining on his contract, Kane will likely get his wish to leave if he decides he will certainly not sign a new deal, as the club would be risking a potential £100million sale if they hold onto him through the next transfer deadline.
But just because Tottenham may sell him does not mean he would land at Old Trafford, with Bayern Munich's well-documented interest still prevalent.
ROUND-UP
– Calciomercato is reporting Inter are interested in bringing in towering 24-year-old Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca from West Ham after a disappointing first season in the Premier League.
– According to Mundo Deportivo, 25-year-old Tottenham striker Richarlison is a candidate to replace Karim Benzema at Real Madrid, while Calciomercato adds Juventus are also keeping a close eye on Richarlison's availability.
– Roberto Firmino has offered his services to Barcelona as he seeks a new team for next season, per Sport.
– Football Insider is reporting Manchester United are in "pole position" to meet the £70m (€79m) asking price to sign 25-year-old Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, despite his repeated comments that he has no interest in leaving Spain.
– Journalist Rudy Galetti claims Chelsea are interested in a pair of 28-year-old centre backs – Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez.
Bernardo Silva is one step closer to getting his desired move to Barcelona after it was reported that Manchester City have named a price for their wantaway midfielder.
Silva, 28, is in his sixth season with City, but after four Premier League titles and 51 goals for the club, he recently spoke about his wish for a new challenge following multiple transfer windows with heavy interest from Barcelona.
The Portugal international, who scored against Newcastle United on Saturday, has a contract that ties him to the club until 2025, but City might be set grant his wish at the end of the season and allow him to leave – for the right price.
TOP STORY – CITY SET ASKING PRICE FOR BARCELONA-BOUND BERNARDO
According to Sport, City have told Silva that they will accept any incoming bid that reaches their demand of £57.5million (€65m).
Barcelona are well aware of the latest development, and are said to be doing all they can in the coming months to ensure the financial rules allow them to make the move. However, Silva's contract demands could be a stumbling block for the Spanish giants.
Reports suggest City previously rejected Barcelona's £62m (€70m) approach during the January window.
ROUND-UP
– Calciomercato is reporting Inter will seek a €40m fee for defender Denzel Dumfries.
– According to The Mirror, Manchester United and Liverpool are among the Premier League teams preparing to make a run at New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
– City will pursue RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol if they sell Paris Saint-Germain target Aymeric Laporte, per the Daily Star.
– Football Insider is reporting Arsenal, City, United and Liverpool are all showing interest in Brighton and Hove Albion's World Cup-winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister , who the Seagulls are expected to price at £70m.
– According to Calciomercato, Milan are targeting £22m-rated (€25m) Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Chelsea will reportedly make a run at signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic at the end of the season after a troubling campaign for the Blues in front of goal.
Through 24 Premier League fixtures, Chelsea have only scored 23 goals, ranking them 14th overall and the lowest total of any side in the top 11.
Lacking a true number nine, and with it remaining unlikely that Romelu Lukaku returns from his Inter loan next season, Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Vlahovic.
The 23-year-old, who arrived in Turin for a €70million fee in January 2022, has had an injury-interrupted first full season in Italy, with eight goals in 15 Serie A appearances.
While Massimiliano Allegri's side would likely prefer to persist with the tall frontman, who already has 10 senior international goals for Serbia in 19 appearances, the club's financial position could force their hand.
TOP STORY – VLAHOVIC EMERGES AS POTENTIAL ANSWER TO CHELSEA'S STRIKER DILEMMA
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are "desperate" to add a true striker, and view Vlahovic as one of three desirable Serie A targets.
They are also supposedly weighing up the possibility of bringing Roma's Tammy Abraham back to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea will also test the availability of Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who is thought to be an unrealistic option.
The report adds that Vlahovic is one of the players Juventus may make available at the end of the season as they work to recover from financial uncertainty.
ROUND-UP
– The Times reports that Chelsea have reignited their interest in 21-year-old RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who they are hoping to land for a fee cheaper than the £97m (€110m) release clause that will become active in 2024.
– According to Express, 24-year-old Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has decided to snub Manchester United and will instead join Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer when his contract expires in July.
– Real Madrid are monitoring 25-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, although the Brazilian insists he is content with his current situation, per Mundo Deportivo.
– Sport reports that Madrid will be joined by rivals Barcelona in the pursuit of 28-year-old Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte.
– According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are considered the frontrunners to land 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount if he decides to not sign a long-term extension.
Kevin De Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte will miss Manchester City's away game against RB Leipzig with illness, Pep Guardiola revealed.
De Bruyne and Laporte were surprise absences from the City squad for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
But Guardiola was able to confirm the nature of their problems after landing in Germany.
The City manager was unsure if either player – both of whom started against Nottingham Forest on Saturday – would return for this weekend's game at Bournemouth, having come down with illness in recent days.
Those absences will leave Guardiola with decisions to make around his team selection, although he had already been provoking some curiosity by naming Bernardo Silva, a midfielder, at left-back.
Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko fulfilled that role previously, but Silva struggled against Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and then appeared to be at fault for Forest's equaliser on Saturday.
Guardiola said he was "not so stupid to think Bernardo is a full-back" as he explained his thought-process.
"People say we conceded the goal on the left side because Bernardo's playing there, but people don't realise – the view is like he's a left-back who has to defend in that position," he said.
"Bernardo helped us to do what we had done against Nottingham Forest. Without Bernardo, it was not possible to concede [only] one counter-attack and one or two actions at the end and [have] the amount of control of the game."
Kevin De Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte have been left out of Manchester City's squad to play RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.
John Stones is also absent from the group, although he has been missing since January with a hamstring injury.
There was no immediate explanation for De Bruyne and Laporte not travelling to Germany, with Pep Guardiola due to meet the media later on Tuesday.
Both players started Saturday's 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest. De Bruyne was substituted in the 88th minute, while Laporte completed the match.
Meanwhile, Leipzig were hoping to have Christopher Nkunku available after he returned to action for the first time since November.
Having played at Wolfsburg at the weekend, Nkunku could not complete Leipzig's full training session on Tuesday, the club said, due to a muscle issue.
Aymeric Laporte headed into Spain's Group E finale having not missed a beat at the heart of Luis Enrique's defence – but his overall World Cup focus has been sketchy at best and that is by his own admission.
The Manchester City defender, who has been joined by club-mate Rodri at the heart of the Spanish backline, has indicated he is not paying attention to the tournament far beyond caring about La Roja's next game.
Former Athletic Bilbao star Laporte said he had not "even looked" at who might await Spain in the last-16 stage and had "no idea" of the possibilities of who that might be.
It is perhaps an unusual attitude for a professional footballer, but Laporte appears to fall into the category of sportsmen who are stunningly proficient in what they do, but not naturally inclined to take their work home with them.
He told the Guardian: "I'm not a football addict. Honestly, I don't like watching matches."
The 28-year-old accepts he is not the sharpest at keeping tabs on his team's workload, even at City.
"Honestly, when I play for City, I don't even know what time kick-off is," he said. "My family call and say: hey, what time tomorrow? [I say] 'I don't know.'"
However, Laporte has done little wrong on the pitch in Spain's opening games, a 7-0 win over Costa Rica and a 1-1 draw with Germany.
Heading into Thursday's run of games, of all defenders to have played at least 90 minutes in this World Cup, Laporte had averaged the most passes per 90 minutes (125.5 – 11.31 more than anyone else) and the most passes in his own half (89 – 18 more than the next player on the list).
He had had the third-most touches per 90 minutes (132.5) among defenders, with only team-mate Jordi Alba (136.23) and Germany's Nico Schlotterbeck (132.58) having more.
It helps that Spain play in a similar vein to City, with their possession-based game one that suits Laporte, and it can only help to have Rodri with him, even if for their club the former Atletico Madrid man is typically deployed in midfield.
Laporte had no doubt Rodri would be an ideal fit for defensive duties, and he is coaching his friend through games.
They had another job to do against Japan on Thursday, with Spain knowing a draw would be enough to secure progress.
"Rodri's intelligent, he knows how to adapt," Laporte said. "It's different for him. He seeks advice, asks a lot of questions; it's all very natural.
"We've only let in one and we hope there aren't any more. Basically, I answer the questions he asks. Do I step out? When do we drop? Do I have to go with the striker when he runs into the space? Do I hold? Do I follow? Do I step out with the ball?
"He asks lots of questions: being firm, decision-making, with the ball, without it. And I try to help as best I can."
Pep Guardiola's new contract with Manchester City will see him remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2025, when he will mark nine years at the club.
The Catalan coach has already remained in the Premier League for longer than he has at his previous roles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, finding a home within English football and establishing a dominant force with his City side.
Throughout his six and a half years in charge so far, Guardiola has been in charge of numerous superstars and club legends, with an all-time squad that would be of envy for any manager in world football.
But how exactly do you break that down into a full XI? Stats Perform has taken on the task and done exactly that.
Ederson
Guardiola made a bold choice upon his arrival in Manchester, swiftly making it clear England international Joe Hart, a two-time Premier League winner, would not fit into his plans moving forward. After a disappointing season with Claudio Bravo, Ederson arrived in 2017 and has been number one ever since.
All of Ederson's 260 appearances across all competitions have come as a starter, higher than any other player under Guardiola, while he sits fifth in the list for total appearances under the Catalan boss.
Kyle Walker
Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, Kyle Walker has been a mainstay in the City side that has dominated domestic football over the course of the past five years, ranking fifth for the most starts under Guardiola in all competitions (207).
Walker's versatility has been a key benefit for Guardiola and England, with his attacking play also fitting into City's style of play well. Since arriving at City, Walker has contributed 17 assists across all competitions, behind only Joao Cancelo (20) among defenders.
Aymeric Laporte
Among defenders during Guardiola's spell in charge, only John Stones and Walker have started more games than Laporte (155), with both players having joined the club in the seasons before Laporte's arrival from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018.
A total of 163 appearances across all competitions puts him narrowly ahead of Nicolas Otamendi (161) for most games under Guardiola.
John Stones
Snapped up in 2016 as one of Guardiola's first signings, Stones has had to contend with incredible competition for his spot at the heart of the defence, with the likes of Laporte, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake all drafted in.
Despite that, Stones continues to be an important player for City and has made 175 starts under Guardiola and 206 appearances overall, ranking second in both among defenders behind only Walker.
Joao Cancelo
The versatile Portuguese full-back moved to City in 2019 from Juventus and has excelled for City, tallying 149 total appearances and 135 starts in all competitions since joining the club, and provides a huge boost in the attacking third.
A total of 20 assists puts him above any defender during Guardiola's spell in charge, even those who have been at the club far longer.
Kevin de Bruyne
Few players fit the Guardiola philosophy more than De Bruyne, who has hit new heights under the former Barcelona boss to stand among the finest players in world football – with a record in front of goal that many would envy.
De Bruyne has registered 117 assists under Guardiola, way ahead of second-place Raheem Sterling (66), while he has scored 73 goals – only behind Gabriel Jesus, Sterling and Sergio Aguero.
Ilkay Gundogan
With 205 starts under Guardiola, the midfielder has been an integral part of the City side since following the Catalan from Germany to Manchester, ranking only behind Walker, David Silva, Sterling, De Bruyne and Ederson in that regard.
Only six players have scored more goals under Guardiola than Gundogan (51), who ranks ninth for the most assists (33).
Fernandinho
The rock of City's midfield for years, Fernandinho started 200 games under Guardiola and made a total of 244 appearances, the latter seeing him rank behind only Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne and Sterling.
A total of 12 goals and 16 assists in those matches represents a decent return for a player renowned more for his defensive strength.
Bernardo Silva
Slotting into the attack ahead of Phil Foden and David Silva, both of whom have a stellar record under Guardiola, Bernardo Silva narrowly gets the nod due to his own impressive numbers in the final third.
Silva has 104 direct goal contributions (50 goals, 54 assists) in 273 appearances, starting in 208 of those matches. Only Sterling and De Bruyne have more assists under Guardiola, while Silva is one of eight players to hit the half-century mark for goals.
Sergio Aguero
In the future, Aguero's spot in the team is likely to be under significant threat from Erling Haaland following his blistering start to life at City, but the Argentine superstar retains the edge for the time being.
Aguero scored 124 goals under Guardiola, more than any other player, with Sterling the only other to have broken the century mark. Those goals came in just 183 appearances with Guardiola in charge, displaying his deadly ability in front of the net.
Raheem Sterling
An unsung hero of the Guardiola era, Sterling played 292 times under the Catalan boss, more than anyone else, while only Aguero scored more goals than Sterling (120).
Sterling also contributed 66 assists under Guardiola, sitting behind only De Bruyne, and is the only player to have scored over 100 goals and added over 50 assists under the Catalan boss.
Aymeric Laporte is confident that Spain have the ability to fight for glory at Qatar 2022 despite falling short of expectations at each of the last two World Cups.
The 2010 champions begin their campaign against Costa Rica on Wednesday, with a tough test in Group E also putting them alongside Germany and Japan.
After victory in South Africa, Spain were eliminated at the group stages four years later in Brazil and lost at the round-of-16 stage to host nation Russia in 2018.
Brazil and Argentina have been tipped as the favourites for glory at this instalment, though Spain are considered among the teams going for glory in Qatar and Laporte is confident Luis Enrique's side have everything required to go all the way.
"All the teams have their strengths, we have an amazing squad, the big majority [of players] compete at the top level in the Spanish league, in England or other places," he told a press conference on Monday.
"We have people very well placed in football, quality, with this boss we are working very well on a tactical leveI. I believe we have everything.
"Then, in these type of games or tournaments, you need luck and there are other factors to be taken into account. But on what depends on us, we will do everything to win."
Laporte was also asked about the injury suffered to France striker Karim Benzema, who has been ruled out of competing at the tournament, which he says is disappointing for the fans.
"In this type of tournament we expect the best to be competing, or many of them," he added. "It is a shame for fans to not see all the best players in the world fighting each other, but those who remain here have a goal and we are going for it."
Patrick Kluivert and Aymeric Laporte were among the leading names to pay tribute to Gerard Pique after the Barcelona and Spain great announced he is to retire.
The 35-year-old confirmed on Thursday that Barca's clash at Camp Nou with Almeria on Saturday will be his last appearance for the Blaugrana.
World Cup and European Championship winner Pique calls an end to his career with eight LaLiga titles and three Champions League crowns from his time with the Catalan giants.
Former Barca forward Kluivert outlined his appreciation for the centre-back, posting "Thanks for everything".
Fellow Spain defender Laporte echoed a similar sentiment with a message stating: "You are great! Thank you", while Barca team-mate Ferran Torres hailed Pique as "the best".
Giuseppe Rossi played with Pique at Manchester United before the Spaniard returned to his homeland in 2008 and labelled his former team-mate as "number one".
The former Italy international posted: "A pleasure to share [the] locker room and the field together! You are number Rossi's 1 Gerry! A big hug. Enjoy you deserve it."
Legendary centre-back Fabio Cannavaro, along with Rafinha and Javier Mascherano, posted a series of heart emojis and raised hands to applaud Pique.
Ivan Rakitic, another ex-Blaugrana colleague, added: "Always on my team", while Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga followed suit by calling Pique a "legend" with a heart emoji.
It is not unusual for centre-backs to have high passing accuracy, especially in teams that prefer to play out from the back, but Aymeric Laporte's precision in Manchester City's win over Everton was perfect.
The Spain international completed all 110 of his attempted passes at Goodison Park, surpassing a record he set in December, as Premier League leaders City went on to claim a crucial 1-0 victory thanks to Phil Foden's late goal.
While Everton will lament their luck after a VAR call went against them, City controlled the game in the second half, after initially being pushed back by their hosts in the opening 45 minutes.
Indeed, City's expected goals (xG) of 0.18 in the first half was the lowest figure for them in the first period of any Premier League game this season. Their xG rose to 2.0 by full time.
However, the pressure City were under makes Laporte's composure on the ball even more impressive.
Of his 110 passes, 57 came in Everton's half, while his 124 touches was also a game-high, with the defender chipping in with a joint team-high three tackles to boot.
Most of his passes (37) went to defensive partner Ruben Dias, while he found Joao Cancelo on 20 occasions and Rodri on 14, with a combined 20 going into City's starting front three.
Laporte's 110 successful passes were the most by a player in a Premier League game without failing to find a team-mate at all since Opta began recording such data in 2003-04. The 27-year-old also held the previous record, having completed all 109 of his passes in the 6-3 win over Leicester City on Boxing Day, in which he also scored.
When stacked up against players in Europe's top five leagues, Laporte is the only one to have recorded 100 per cent passing accuracy when attempting over 100 passes on more than one occasion.
Napoli's Amir Rrahmani (114/115 against Cagliari) and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes (105/106 against Nantes) are the only other players to have registered at least 99 per cent passing accuracy when attempting over 100 passes.
Laporte has recorded over 95 per cent passing accuracy in 12 of his 22 league appearances this term.
Manchester City's 12-match winning run in the Premier League came to an end with a 1-1 draw against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.
The runaway league leaders conceded a first-half goal for just the third time this season through Kyle Walker-Peters' sublime finish on the half-volley after seven minutes.
Southampton had an Armando Broja goal ruled out for offside and continued to pose a threat, though City dug deep and levelled through Aymeric Laporte's 65th-minute header.
City dominated possession and looked the more likely side to claim all three points, but they failed to do so in a league game for the first time since October 13.
Walker-Peters gave Southampton a shock early lead with his first Premier League goal after carrying the ball down the right, exchanging passes with Nathan Redmond and sending a controlled outside-of-the-boot strike away from Ederson.
Having survived another scare when Broja had a goal chalked off, City showed signs of life and would have been level before half-time if not for a fine close-range save from Fraser Forster to deny Raheem Sterling, who had plenty of the goal to aim for.
The lively Broja headed against the post from a couple of yards out and Jan Bednarek skewed the follow-up off target, while Rodri skimmed the top of the crossbar at the other end as the game opened up.
Southampton had conceded in each of their last 10 league matches, however, and they were once again undone by a set-piece as Laporte got away from his marker and guided home Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick.
That sparked a City onslaught, with De Bruyne hitting the post from range and having a penalty appeal rejected, but Southampton held on to make it two points from their two meetings with the champions this term.
Barcelona are in the market to bolster their squad in January.
The Spanish giants have financial challenges to overcome.
But after an ordinary start to the season, they are ready to get busy to build Xavi a stronger squad.
TOP STORY – BARCELONA TO MOVE FOR LAPORTE
Barcelona could move for another Manchester City star, with The Sun reporting that the Blaugrana want to sign Spain international Aymeric Laporte.
The defender has lost his starting spot to John Stones and is said to be unsettled at City.
Barcelona announced a deal to sign Ferran Torres from City this week.
ROUND-UP
- Juventus have no interest in a potential swap deal with Barcelona whereby Alvaro Morata would trade places with Memphis Depay, reports Football Italia.
- Newcastle United are set to complete their first piece of January transfer business by signing Lille defender Sven Botman, claims the Mail.
- Liverpool are interested in Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, claims the Express. Saka is contracted to the Gunners until 2024.
- Liverpool have also pitched a contract offer to Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, reports Ansa.
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