Atlético Madrid in talks with Barcelona for Clément Lenglet – reports
The Colchoneros are allegedly interested in the French defender
Despite starting and being made captain of the side in Barcelona’s preseason debut against Manchester City on Tuesday, Clément Lenglet knows his future is not at Camp Nou and his exit from Barça is only a matter of time. And a new club may have joined the race to secure his services.
After Besiktas began talks with the Catalans last week to try and secure a loan deal, it is now believed that Atlético Madrid are interested in the French defender’s services as a replacement for Mario Hermoso who has left the club as a free agent, according to reports in France.
Atlético’s initial targets were Feyenoord’s Dávid Hancko and West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd, but those deals have proven very difficult for the Colchoneros. Lenglet has been out on loan for the last two seasons with his previous two clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, only paying half of Lenglet’s wages.
The reports claim Barça are willing to accept the same terms again to open up salary cap space for their other priorities in the market, so even negotiating with a direct rival would not be an issue as long as at least half of Lenglet’s wages are off the books for the 2024-25 season.
Lenglet had a strong showing against Erling Haaland and City’s powerful attack and may have seen his stock rise in the market, which is good news for Barça as the club remain desperate to finally sever ties with a player they clearly don’t want.
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