Manchester United and Chelsea are entering another critical summer window with a clear objective: reinforce their underperforming defensive lines. Both sides suffered from lapses in solidity throughout the 2024/25 season, United, plagued by injuries and tactical instability, finished with one of the worst defensive records among the Premier League’s top six. Chelsea, despite flashes of promise from their young defenders, were similarly inconsistent. In this context, both clubs appear to be turning toward an experienced name with Premier League pedigree as a short-term solution.
According to reports from El Chiringuito, echoed by [Football España](https://www.football-espana.net/2025/06/06/chelsea-take-interest-in-spain-defender-manchester-united-competing-for-signature), both United and Chelsea are showing serious interest in Aymeric Laporte. The Spanish international, currently at Al Nassr, is seeking a return to Europe after just one year in Saudi Arabia. Manchester United are said to have made a formal approach to the player’s entourage, while Chelsea remain in the evaluation phase. Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Napoli are also monitoring his situation, but Laporte’s priority is believed to be a Premier League comeback. With experience, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities, the 31-year-old fits the mould of a quick-impact solution.
For United, however, the move presents a mixed picture. Laporte’s recent stint in a less competitive league and a decline in form during his final season at Manchester City raise valid questions. Still, manager Rúben Amorim is reportedly in search of a left-footed centre-back who can build from the back, engage in aggressive duels, and bring tactical intelligence to his 3-4-2-1 system. Laporte, despite his current status, remains that archetype.
Do Manchester United need Aymeric Laporte?
He could slot in as the left-sided centre-back, either complementing Lisandro Martínez or allowing the Argentine to play a more flexible role. Most importantly, Laporte could help restore leadership to a backline that has felt rudderless since Raphaël Varane’s exit.
However, there is another dilemma: is it wise to invest in a player who has already left European football and is unlikely to be part of the club’s long-term vision? Laporte’s signing could potentially block the development of emerging talents like Leny Yoro. For Rúben Amorim, the question becomes one of continuity versus a short-term fix.
If the Spanish defender is willing to accept a competitive role without the guarantee of being a regular starter, his presence could prove valuable. But if he expects to walk straight into the XI, the logic behind the deal begins to unravel. The club’s sporting leadership cannot afford to repeat past errors by prioritising reputation over fit.
Viewed from another angle, United’s interest in Laporte also hints at a deeper issue, the lack of a clearly defined defensive identity. It’s not just about adding names to the squad; it’s about creating a cohesive and reliable structure. Before searching abroad, the club might benefit more from nurturing internal options and giving younger players a consistent framework in which to grow. That said, if Laporte arrives motivated, with the right attitude and an eagerness to prove himself, he could still offer more than expected. Ultimately, success won’t depend on individual quality alone, but on how well the pieces come together within Amorim’s evolving project.