Athletic Club have announced the return of former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte.
The world's football governing body (FIFA) had initially blocked the transfer after the paperwork from Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr had not arrived before the transfer deadline on Sept. 1.
The Spanish federation (RFEF) requested for FIFA to make an exception for Laporte's move and although it was initially refused, permission was eventually granted.
"FIFA has authorised the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to obtain an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation," a club statement said on Thursday.
The LaLiga side later confirmed the 31-year-old's return on a three-year contract.
Laporte left Athletic in 2018 to play under Pep Guardiola at City. A Euro 2024 winner with Spain, Laporte joined Al Nassr in 2023.
The veteran centre-back will add to the 222 appearances he made for Athletic during his first spell with the team.
"I'm very happy because this is everything I wanted," Laporte said. "It's a very exciting season I'm really looking forward to helping the team, stepping foot in San Mamés, and hoping everything goes well."
Information from ESPN's Adriana Garcia contributed to this report.
