According to Gazzetta.gr, Gaetan Laborde has expressed a desire to leave Saudi Arabia and return to Europe. He is under contract with Al Diriyah until 2028, and the club does not appear to be creating significant obstacles for a free transfer. However, a major financial issue has arisen, as Laborde is requesting compensation to cover his losses, which would enable him to accept an offer with lower wages. PAOK wants to acquire him as a free agent, but club officials understand the process for his release could become complicated and lengthy. Because the team does not have time, PAOK has pursued alternative options, and discussions with at least one other target are at an advanced stage.

PAOK are interested in Gaetan Laborde, who is under contract with Al Diriyah until the summer of 2028. Al Diriyah invested approximately 4,000,000 euros to acquire Laborde about a year ago and, at the initial stage of contacts, are not willing to let him leave without financial compensation. PAOK are monitoring the situation because Laborde's status at Al Diriyah has changed following the arrival of Darwin Nunez and other foreign players, which has resulted in increased competition for foreign player slots. The preferred outcome for PAOK would be for Laborde to reach an agreement with Al Diriyah to terminate his contract and become a free agent. Currently, Al Diriyah have not reached this point, and PAOK cannot consider anything to be certain.

The internal situation at Al Diriyah has changed significantly in recent weeks, and this may benefit PAOK. The club are closely monitoring developments regarding Gaetan Laborde.

PAOK is considering acquiring Gaëtan Laborde for its attack. The 32-year-old French striker currently plays for Al Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, for whom he scored 28 goals last season. Before moving to the Middle East, where he arrived in July 2025, Laborde spent his entire career in France, scoring 122 goals for clubs such as Bordeaux, Rennes, and Nice. While he primarily plays as a center forward, he is also capable of playing on both wings. Laborde's contract with Al Diriyah runs until 2028, but PAOK officials are attempting to terminate the agreement to sign him. He has 5 caps for the France U20 team, and his current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €3.00m.