Clément Lenglet's future is once again causing concern at FC Barcelona. The French center-back, who had found playing time at Atlético Madrid, will not continue under Simeone's orders. The loan ends and there will be no proposal for continuity.
The problem is that at Camp Nou they don't count on him either. Hansi Flick has already informed the management that Lenglet is not in his plans. The situation, once again, becomes a headache for the Barça offices.
Atlético doesn't want to continue with Lenglet
The defender arrived at the Metropolitano as an emergency solution after renewing his contract with Barça. In return, the Catalan club agreed to share the cost of his salary. For several weeks, Simeone gave him minutes and even trusted him with important starting positions.
But mistakes at key moments ended up weighing more than his overall performance. Several errors, including decisive penalties, have eroded his credibility within the rojiblanco locker room. That's why Atlético has already decided not to extend his association.
With Atlético's 'no', Lenglet will return to the blaugrana discipline in July. But his future at the club is nonexistent: Flick doesn't want him even for the preseason. His contract, valid until 2027, includes a salary difficult for any European team to assume.
Barça had hoped to negotiate a low-cost sale or even another loan. But Atleti's rejection and Lenglet's stance further complicate the situation. Nobody wants to bear such a high salary for a player without a place.
No serious offers in Europe
As of today, there are no clubs in the old continent willing to pay his full salary. Villarreal inquired about him but ruled out the operation for budgetary reasons. His stint at Tottenham was decent, but at Aston Villa, he has gone unnoticed.
In Saudi Arabia, there is real interest. Al-Nassr has explored his environment for a possible incorporation. However, Lenglet keeps his stance: he wants to stay in Europe and compete in the major leagues.
The sports management has informed his representatives that they will not grant a letter of freedom. The idea is to recover part of the investment or at least avoid a termination cost. But in the offices, they already acknowledge that it will be difficult to find a viable destination.
Flick has been blunt: he doesn't want him even temporarily in his workgroup. The risk of Lenglet returning in the summer without a defined destination is high. His presence is perceived as an unnecessary distraction within the new project.
Another summer saga looms
Barça needs to lighten the wage bill and find urgent solutions for players without a place. Lenglet embodies that profile that nobody claims, but that represents a significant financial problem. Every day that passes without resolving his future is a step back in planning.
Simeone has already made his decision and Atlético closes the door. Now, Barça is left alone facing a mess that seems endless. The Lenglet case threatens to become another market saga... and summer hasn't even started yet.