Lenglet isn't the only Barça player Atlético have signed: Simeone now wants both of them

Clément Lenglet is no longer a player for FC Barcelona after his transfer to Atlético de Madrid was made official. The French center-back, who was on loan until June 30, has terminated his contract with the blaugrana club. This way, he signs until 2028 with the Colchoneros, in a deal that frees Barça from a financial burden.

Barça had been searching for months for a definitive solution to solve Lenglet's contract without creating economic conflicts. His salary was one of the highest and his impact on financial fair play was clearly unsustainable. The termination signed by both parties becomes a resounding relief in the offices at Camp Nou.

Farewell to a Bartomeu legacy

With this agreement, one of the most controversial management decisions inherited from the previous blaugrana board comes to a close. Lenglet was renewed in 2020 with a salary that increased from €6.7 million ($6.7 million) to €13 million ($13 million) gross. This figure was out of market for a player who was no longer in the sporting plans of any coach.

Although in the summer of 2024 the club already tried to lighten his salary by extending his contract for one more year, it wasn't enough. The final savings with the termination amount to more than €32 million ($32 million). Barça also avoids having to look for more loans that only postponed an obvious structural problem.

Joan Laporta | @FCBarcelona_es

Atlético de Madrid, meanwhile, gets an experienced center-back who has performed well under Simeone. The zero-cost deal was key for the Colchoneros to go after the Frenchman without hesitation. Diego Pablo Simeone considers him a useful piece to strengthen his defense without compromising the club's budget.

Lenglet has managed to adapt to the Rojiblanco defensive system and has been a regular starter during the last season. Cholo values his tactical intelligence, his ability to play out from the back, and his experience in European competitions.

Simeone doesn't stop

Beyond Lenglet, Simeone keeps planning reinforcements to raise Atlético de Madrid's competitive level. One of the Argentine coach's priorities is now in the blaugrana midfield: Gavi.

Sources close to the Madrid club indicate that Atlético is seriously considering trying to sign the Andalusian midfielder this summer. Simeone believes he could adapt perfectly to the Colchonero style and provide an immediate quality boost.

Gavi | @FCBarcelona

At Camp Nou, the Rojiblanco interest hasn't gone unnoticed and is causing concern in Deco's offices. Gavi is considered a franchise player and essential for the new project led by Hansi Flick. The club is willing to secure him, but needs to offer sporting and financial guarantees to avoid external temptations.

Despite Barça's firmness, Atlético remains alert and will wait for any move that opens a door. Gavi, with Champions League experience and with the national team, represents a market opportunity that's hard to ignore.

A perfect ending for both clubs

Lenglet's signing represents a strategic closure for both institutions and sets an important precedent. Barça frees itself from an economic burden, while Atlético strengthens its defense without major outlays. It's a clean operation that avoids conflicts and creates a positive effect on planning for the next season.

While Lenglet is already training as a Rojiblanco, the focus now shifts to the possible interest in Gavi. Atlético is making moves with shrewdness, and Simeone is clear about his goal: strengthen the group with distinctive profiles. Lenglet is just the beginning of an offensive that could continue with a surprise in midfield.