With Hansi Flick's arrival on the bench, FC Barcelona have activated their sports reconstruction plan. After a remarkable season, the German coach has requested major changes, especially in defense, and the sports management is working to free up wage bill space. Joan Laporta and Deco know that, in order to register signings this summer, they must execute several key departures, with the main goal of lightening the squad without compromising its level.
In that regard, several operations have already moved forward. Although many see Ansu Fati as the name most likely to leave the club, the truth is that he wouldn't be the first departure of the summer transfer window. Deco has a more advanced move in hand that would involve the exit of a player who is no longer in the sports plans and would also mean a multi-million euro saving.
Flick gives green light
Clément Lenglet's case with Barça is paradigmatic: after three consecutive loans, the French center-back never managed to regain a place at the club. Now, with Flick in charge, his time as a blaugrana has definitively come to an end. The German coach doesn't count on Lenglet, not even as a substitute, and has approved his departure so Barça can focus on bringing in new top-level players.
Meanwhile, Lenglet has already made a firm decision: he wants to continue at Atlético de Madrid. There he has found consistency under Simeone's orders, adding minutes and being important in key matches. His intention is to stay, and to achieve this he has requested a letter of freedom from Barça, giving up part of his salary in exchange for signing for free with the colchonero team.
Total agreement with Atlético
The French defender already has a preliminary agreement with Atlético to sign until 2027 with a salary of seven million euros per year. This figure is much lower than the €16 million gross he currently receives at Barça. The deal is practically closed, and if it is finalized before June 15, Lenglet will be able to be registered to play in the Club World Cup with his new team.
For Barça, this departure represents immediate relief in the salary cap. Deco has personally managed the negotiation, aware that freeing up that contract is key to moving forward with other signings. Lenglet's exit is a silent victory in the clean-up operation that Flick and Laporta have set in motion.