At FC Barcelona, they are already working intensively on the squad configuration for the 2025/26 season. The club needs to generate income, reduce the wage bill, and adjust financial 'fair play'. Therefore, departures will once again set the course for the summer market.
Among the cases on the table, there is a name that strongly resonates in the offices of Camp Nou. It is a player who has been at the club for a while but is not in the future plans. Right now, he is on loan to another LaLiga team, and his performance has convinced.
Simeone Insists: He Wants Him Now
The Argentine coach has given the green light to an operation that could benefit all parties. This footballer started the season as a substitute but has been gaining minutes and confidence. So much so that he is now a regular starter and one of the most reliable players in defense.
The red-and-white coaching staff believe he should stay permanently. The player fits into the scheme, has adapted to the club, and keeps an exemplary attitude. There are no doubts: they want to buy him now.
At Barça, the situation is different. Although he was under Hansi Flick's orders in the first training sessions, the German coach has ruled out his continuity. He is clear that he doesn't need him for his project.
The blue-and-red squad is well-covered in his position, with younger options and greater projection. Moreover, his age doesn't fit the club's new policy, which seeks to rejuvenate the squad. That's why Flick has given his approval for a definitive sale.
Deadline on the Calendar
According to Estadio Deportivo, Atlético de Madrid wants to close the deal before June 14. The reason is the new Club World Cup, which will be held from June 14 to July 13. The player in question ends his loan on June 30.
Simeone fears that the team will be left without their defender in the middle of the competition. That's why he has requested that the operation be solved before the tournament begins. FIFA will open an exceptional transfer window from June 1 to 10, and they want to take advantage of it.
The transfer is in active negotiations. Barça is asking for 10 million euros, a figure that Atlético considers too high. From the Metropolitano, they believe that, given the context, it should be closed for less.
Both parties are playing their cards, but there is a willingness to agree. The player wants to stay at Atlético, the coach supports him, and Barça wants to cash in. They just need to bridge the gap for the operation to be officially closed.
Despite his dedication, experience, and professionalism, this footballer is not in Barça's future. He has a contract until 2027 but has been deemed expendable. At this moment, there is no longer space for him at Camp Nou.
Now, at 29 years old, his destination is definitely pointing to Madrid. His name is Clément Lenglet, and everything indicates that he will become a part of Simeone's Atlético permanently in the coming weeks.