Clément Lenglet arrived at FC Barcelona from Sevilla FC in 2018 for €35.9 million. The Frenchman came with a reputation as one of the best defenders in the world.
His play and his time at Barça were bittersweet. Since 2022, he began a journey of loans. He didn't fit in at Tottenham and didn't manage to settle at Aston Villa. Now, at Atlético de Madrid he has found his place.
Deco awaits Clément Lenglet's final farewell this summer
Hansi Flick doesn't count on the French center-back for next season. In addition, his lack of commitment and his very high salary haven't been forgotten, which has been a burden for the club for years. Joan Laporta wants to find him an urgent exit this summer.
Atlético de Madrid don't want to pay the €10 million Barça are asking for and because of this, Lenglet has spoken. Together with his agent, Grégory Dakad, they've proposed an unexpected solution to Deco to force his departure. The request is surprising, but it seems to be the only way for Lenglet to break ties with Barça once and for all.
Clément Lenglet has already told Deco
FC Barcelona knows that keeping Clément Lenglet under contract means losing money. He won't wear the Barça jersey again, so the priority is to force his departure at all costs. That's why Clément Lenglet has requested a letter of freedom from FC Barcelona.
Lenglet could end his contract with the Catalan club in the coming days. This would be the step before finalizing his signing with Atlético de Madrid. The defender is looking to guarantee his place with the red-and-white team before the Club World Cup.
He doesn't fit in FC Barcelona's back line
Hansi Flick has a complete defense where he wouldn't need Clément Lenglet. While the German coach has asked to strengthen the full-back positions, when it comes to center-backs he's well equipped.
The center-back pairing expected to remain in the starting line-up consists of Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez. As substitutes or backups, there are Ronald Araújo, who has been heavily criticized for his last stretch of the season, and Andreas Christensen, whose future is uncertain.
Despite the ups and downs of two center-backs who also have the potential to be starters, Eric García is added to the mix. The "24" has had more presence than ever with Barça this year. The reason: Hansi Flick places him in defense or as a pivot, depending on how the match unfolds. With this, Barça would have up to five center-backs for the two positions.