Aymeric Laporte

French center-back Aymeric Laporte joined City in January 2018. The 23-year-old signed for the Blues from Athletic Bilbao and became Pep Guardiola's sixth signing of the 2017/18 season, penning a deal until 2023. Regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe, Laporte will take the number 14 shirt and is eager to help the Blues in their hunt for silverware. Laporte is a left-footed defender, recognized for his calmness, strength and passing ability. He began his senior career with Bilbao in 2012, after representing their B side and gaining first-team experience with CD Basconia. Standing at 6 feet, 3 inches, Aymeric began his senior career with Basconia, joined Bilbao in 2012, and made his debut as 18-year-old against Celta Vigo. He was named in the 2013/14 La Liga Team of the Year, aged only 20. Impressed by his skill and potential, Bilbao quickly secured his services, and he went on to become a first-team regular. Aymeric played 222 times for Bilbao, scoring 10 goals during his six-season stint Also employed as a left-back, the Frenchman was named in La Liga's 2013/14 Team of the Year. In the 2015/16 campaign, he helped Bilbao to Supercopa de Espana glory - their first piece of major silverware for 31 years. Laporte has represented France 41 times at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 levels and was captain of the side that reached the European Championships five years ago. Laporte is considered such a talent that Spain boss Julen Lopetegui was hopeful Laporte might represent La Roja, despite representing France. Though he is believed to have begun the process to change nationalities, he was then called up by the France senior squad for two World Cup Qualifiers, and though he played in neither, he intends to play for Les Bleus and will be aiming to make it into the World Cup squad this summer - though he is yet to win a senior cap. Aymeric made his debut in a 3-0 win over West Brom in January 2018 and has settled in quickly with a series of calm, impressive displays for the Blues.