Clément Lenglet is coming off several complicated seasons. The 29-year-old defender was loaned to Aston Villa last season, where he had to make do with a fairly secondary role, with 14 games played in the Premier League. Not enough to convince the team coached by Unai Emery to try to keep him beyond this loan. Back in Barcelona – he even wore the captain’s armband during the friendly match against Manchester City during the night – he should not linger, in principle, and he is one of the players on the transfer list.
In recent weeks, the Spanish press has notably mentioned an interest from Real Sociedad and AC Milan for the former Nancy player. And it must be said that Barça needs to sell. And quickly, if possible. The Catalans must indeed slim down to get into the green with regard to the financial fair play of La Liga, and then be able to afford, or at least have room to maneuver, certain targets like Nico Williams or Dani Olmo.
A more than interesting place to stay
According to our information, Atlético de Madrid has also come to the news. The Colchoneros have already contacted their Catalan counterparts as well as the central defender, who is very keen to join the club from the Spanish capital. It must be said that Atleti is in the process of overhauling its defensive sector, following the departures of Mario Hermoso and Stefan Savic in particular. Lenglet would come to strengthen the rojiblanca central hinge, while the Madrilenians have already paid 30 million euros to afford Robin Le Normand.
In need, FC Barcelona should not a priori put too many obstacles in the way of the departure of its defender, who had a rather major role in Catalonia at one time. Arrived from Seville for 35 million euros in 2018 and under contract until 2026, he also receives a substantial salary of around 12 million euros gross which places him among the highest paid players in the squad. To be continued…
