After enjoying a resurgence during his loan spell, Clement Lenglet's future has become the center of discussions between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The French center-back, who has resurrected the form he once showcased at Sevilla, has become integral to Atletico's defensive lineup following injuries to key players.
Currently on loan at Atletico, Lenglet's impressive performances have caught the attention of the coaching staff, most significantly Diego Simeone. According to reports from Diario SPORT, Atletico has made their intentions clear by putting forth a bid of €5 million, including variables, to secure Lenglet’s services on a permanent basis. This amount, though substantial, does not meet Barcelona's expectations, as they are reportedly seeking around €10 million for the defender.
Barcelona has maintained its position, recognizing Lenglet's contribution to Atletico’s backline—but they also hope to capitalize on his commendable form to maximize their profit from the transfer. Despite Atletico's tight financial situation, they acknowledge the necessity of reaching some sort of agreement with Barcelona. The two clubs are speculated to negotiate around the €7-8 million mark, which could serve as common ground.
Despite his earlier struggles at Barcelona, Lenglet has turned his fortunes around since moving to Atletico. After resuming his position after recovering from injury, he has made 10 starts in La Liga and 5 appearances in the Champions League. He has scored two goals and provided one assist, marking him as one of Atletico's standout players this season.
The negotiations surrounding Lenglet take place amid Barcelona's financial challenges, as they continue to shoulder part of his salary during his loan spell at Atletico. The intricacies of this are reflective of Barcelona's broader financial struggles and their need for funds, especially considering past transactions with Atletico where players were transferred at reduced rates. Historical deals, including those of David Villa, Luis Suárez, and Memphis Depay, have added complexity to negotiations. Atletico's executives appear set on maximizing Barcelona's vulnerabilities, pressing for deals at lower rates.
While Atletico found considerable success integrating Lenglet, who has solidified his role as a starter—especially after besting Atlético's newest defensive consideration, Robin Le Normand—a lofty demand from Barcelona dampens Atletico's ability to finalize any deal.
With time running out on Lenglet's loan and his contract with Barcelona set to continue until June 2026, the player himself remains undecided about his future. He reportedly plans to evaluate his options toward the end of the season, sensing the importance of the discussions his agent will have on his behalf.
For now, both clubs are working diligently to find common ground. The potential for securing Lenglet's services permanently is apparent for Atletico, who view him as not just a temporary fixture but as key to their defensive strategy moving forward. On the other hand, Barcelona is aware of the need to make wise financial decisions without compromising the club's integrity or future performances.
The clock is ticking for both Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona, as they continue to navigate through this complicated negotiation to determine the future of Clement Lenglet, who stands at the crossroads of his next career decision.