Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona faced off in a thrilling Copa del Rey match. Beyond the spectacle on the field, there was also a lot of movement in the offices. Enrique Cerezo took the opportunity to sit down with Joan Laporta and Deco with a very clear goal: to retain a player who has pleasantly surprised at the Metropolitano.
The player in question arrived at Atlético as an emergency solution, without generating great expectations. However, he has taken advantage of the injuries in the colchonero defense to earn a spot in Simeone's starting eleven, proving that he still has the level to compete at the highest level.
Atlético are delighted with his performance, and 'Cholo' has given the green light for the club to negotiate his permanent signing once his loan ends in June. However, the big obstacle is the price Barça demands for his transfer.
A Disappointing Offer for Barça
Barcelona, looking to cash in this summer to balance their accounts, is willing to sell the player but expected to receive a considerably better offer. At the time, the club paid 36 million euros for him, and although it's clear they won't be able to recover a similar amount, they do aim to receive at least 10 million.
The problem is that Atlético de Madrid's initial offer has been far below the culés' expectations. The rojiblanco club has put only 7 million euros on the table, a figure that Laporta and Deco immediately rejected.
Barça believes the player still has a market in Europe and that they could obtain a higher amount if they negotiate with other interested clubs. However, Atlético is confident in reaching an agreement since the player is not in Flick's plans and Barça is prioritizing cashing in.
Barça Stands Firm: Demands 10 Million
Barça doesn't want to give the player away and has informed Atlético that they will only accept offers starting at 10 million. The difference between both positions is not too large, so it's expected that negotiations could be unlocked in the coming weeks.
The player, meanwhile, feels comfortable in Madrid and would be delighted to continue under Simeone's orders. He knows he has no future at Barça, so everything points to his destination being Atlético de Madrid, as long as the colchoneros agree to raise their offer.
Barça Looks to Lighten Their Squad
This operation is part of Deco and Laporta's strategy to reduce the wage bill and generate income for the next season. Besides the protagonist of this story, the club is also looking for exits for other players not in Flick's plans, such as Vitor Roque, Ferran Torres, or Pablo Torre.
Barça can't afford more loans without obtaining economic benefits, so this time they will demand money for their discards. If Atlético wants to keep the player, they must raise their offer to 10 million. A figure that, while far from the 36M Barça paid at the time, will at least allow them to recover part of their investment.
The French center-back, who once arrived at Barcelona from Sevilla, has resurged at Atlético de Madrid, where Simeone has managed to enhance him. Although his time at Camp Nou was full of ups and downs, at the Metropolitano he has found continuity and confidence, which has allowed him to shine again.
Now, Atlético wants to keep him permanently, but Barça won't let him go for less than 10 million. In the coming weeks, his future will be defined, but everything points to Lenglet continuing to wear the rojiblanco, as long as his current club is willing to increase their offer.