FC Barcelona continues working on the exit operation, and one of the players most likely to leave the club is Clément Lenglet. The French center-back, who is not in Hansi Flick's plans, has found stability at Atlético de Madrid, where he has become a regular in Diego Simeone's defense. The Argentine has given him the continuity he has recently lacked at FC Barcelona.
Clement Lenglet joined the colchonero team in the summer transfer window as an emergency solution, but he has performed above expectations, earning the trust of the Argentine coach. His defensive reliability and experience have been key to improving the rojiblanca defense, which has led the Atlético management to seriously consider his permanent stay as a colchonero player.
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Meanwhile, Barça is clear that his future is far from Camp Nou, with Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Íñigo Martínez, and Jules Koundé able to do without the Frenchman. The club seeks to alleviate its wage bill and recover part of the investment made in his signing, despite the fact that this year he lowered his salary to go on loan to Atlético.
Laporta Sets Conditions to Close the Deal
Joan Laporta and the Barça board have already begun talks with Atlético to define the defender's future. The culé president's intention is to close a transfer as soon as possible and avoid a new loan that doesn't generate significant income. However, the operation will not be easy, as the colchoneros seek to reduce the cost of the signing.
Barça aims to receive an amount close to 10 million euros for Clement Lenglet, although it is willing to negotiate some different formulas to facilitate his departure. Among the options being considered is a transfer with deferred payments or even a loan with a mandatory purchase option for Atlético.
Atlético's Gems in Barça's Sights
However, Laporta has put a special request on the table: a preferential option on two of Atlético de Madrid's great gems. The culé leader wants the rojiblanco club to grant him priority in the event of a future sale of Pablo Barrios or Julián Álvarez. The latter is a clear target for Barça if they can afford it financially, although that doesn't seem to be the case.
From the Metropolitano, the intention is to retain Lenglet, but without making large expenditures. The colchonero management understands that the Frenchman has performed well and can continue to be an important player, but they are not willing to assume a high cost for his transfer. Moreover, Atlético doesn't look favorably on yielding to Barça's demands regarding Barrios or Julián Álvarez.
Both players are strategic pieces for the future of the rojiblanco club, and although including preferential clauses is not ruled out, the final decision will depend on the market context. The negotiation remains open, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Lenglet will continue at Atlético de Madrid or if Barça will have to seek another destination for the center-back.