Barcelona is already shaping its squad for the 2025/26 season, with Hansi Flick in charge and the board looking to reduce the wage bill, Laporta has drawn a red line in the offices. There are players who won't remain in the project, and two names have already been internally ruled out. The president is certain, very certain, about two players who won't continue at Barça.
According to Carpetas blaugranas, the blaugrana president doesn't want to see either Clément Lenglet or Oriol Romeu back in the first team's locker room. These were two moves that, at the time, were seen as necessary, but today are considered mistakes the club needs to correct as soon as possible. Both are on loan at two LaLiga teams and have caused more losses than gains for the culé team, and Laporta is clear that he's not willing to let them return.
In the case of the French center-back, the decision was made some time ago, Clément Lenglet isn't part of the future plans. His loan at Atlético de Madrid has been good, but there's no intention to reintegrate him into the squad. Barcelona is seeking a permanent exit, and in recent weeks, Atlético de Madrid is considering signing him outright.
Lenglet can go to Atlético
The colchonero club is very keen on signing the former Sevilla player, Lenglet is liked for his LaLiga experience, his left-footed profile, and his low cost. In fact, the rojiblancos' strategy is to push to get him for free, knowing Barça prioritizes freeing up his salary above all else. Simeone wants him to play in the Club World Cup and Lenglet wants to stay with the colchonero side.
From Camp Nou offices, they don't rule out accepting an early contract termination; the defender still has one more year left on his deal. The Catalan club's desire is to free up his salary before July 1 (1 de julio), and if Atlético acts decisively, a quick agreement isn't out of the question. Both sides are willing and his departure seems clear.
Romeu won't return
As for Oriol Romeu, the situation is more complex, the Catalan midfielder returned to Barça last summer as an emergency solution. But his performance has been far below what was desired. Flick doesn't count on him and the sporting management is already working to strengthen the position with a more physical and promising profile.
However, unlike Lenglet, Romeu doesn't have any offers; no offers have come in from LaLiga or abroad. Girona isn't considering bringing him back and his salary, while manageable, isn't attractive to mid-level teams. Barça is even considering a mutual contract termination if no club is willing to take on his salary.
Laporta wants to slim down the squad as soon as possible; they need to free up space for signings and comply with Financial Fair Play. The message from the offices is clear: there's no place for players who don't contribute, the revolution has begun, and the first casualties already have names and surnames. Clément Lenglet and Oriol Romeu won't wear the blaugrana jersey again, it's a decision that's been made.