I can't see Laporte being here for his entire career. I'm not sure that anyone could afford him but I wouldn't be surprised if he left within the next two years.
Only a hunch.
Laporte's happiest and plays at his best when he feels irreplaceable.
He was so good at the end of last season because everyone else was injured and we desperately needed him. The season before, when Stones and Dias were playing so well together, he was apparently agitating to leave.
It's a difficult balance. The desire to play is a good thing. We need players to be pushing themselves, trying to earn a place in the starting line-up. But Pep loves rotation, we play too many games not to rotate, and we need the players to understand that, and that it means they're going to be on the bench sometimes.
I hope Laporte gets it now, because otherwise yes, I do see him leaving.
Anyway - a hearty welcome and best wishes to Manuel.
5 top CBs feels like a real luxury, but given recent injury records I think it's a really wise move.