Clement Lenglet has returned to Barcelona, not for pre-season, but to close a chapter that’s dragged on for far too long.
The Frenchman, who spent his full season on loan at Atletico Madrid, is pushing hard to stay in the Spanish capital, permanently this time.
The 29-year-old center-back has thrived under Diego Simeone and has made 34 appearances, while contributing three goals and two assists, and more importantly, embedding himself as a trusted starter.
As reported by SPORT, Lenglet, who turns 30 on June 17, just two days after Atletico Madrid’s Club World Cup starts, wants his future sorted before his Barcelona loan ends on June 30. Without a new deal, he won’t be able to play in the knockouts.
With time slipping away, he flew to Barcelona this week to fast-track negotiations. He wants to stay at Atletico and play in the Club World Cup if Atletico reaches the latter stages, with the tournament running until mid-July.
Barcelona wants closure, Atletico wants continuity
Barcelona’s priorities are clear. The club wants to let the defender go.
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The club still pays 75% of Lenglet wages, and with a contract running until 2027, they’re desperate for him to move one, but their financial fair play situation leaves little room for sentiment.
The Catalan club is open to letting him leave early, but only if some form of compensation is received, especially if he plays beyond June 30.
Negotiations are ongoing, and both clubs are aware that the Club World Cup timeline leaves little wiggle room.
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