In line with a report from , it has come to mild that Barcelona are locked in tense negotiations with Clement Lenglet over terminating his contract, as Atletico Madrid have made it clear they aren’t keen to pay any switch charge for the French defender.
The centre-back, below contract at Barça till 2027, is engaged on a everlasting change to Diego Simeone’s squad, however solely on one strict situation that he should arrive free of charge.
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Barcelona, determined to cut back their wage invoice and alleviate Monetary Truthful Play stress, are unwilling to entertain one other mortgage for Lenglet.
The 29-year-old has a excessive wage that the membership not desires to hold, particularly after agreeing to deferred funds throughout the COVID pandemic, a call that has now inflated his present annual wage to a reported €16 million.
Atletico need switch on their phrases
Atletico Madrid, for his or her half, will not be ready to shoulder such a burden.
Regardless of Lenglet’s first rate spell, the place he made 34 appearances, the Rojiblancos haven’t any intention of providing monetary compensation to Barcelona.
Clement Lenglet desires to play for Atletico Madrid. (Picture by Denis Doyle/Getty Photographs)
The one path ahead they see is by way of a , permitting Lenglet to return as a free agent and on decreased wages.
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Negotiations are proving tough, and time is of the essence. Atletico are actively pursuing different centre-back choices, and Lenglet is not seen as a precedence except he turns into obtainable on their phrases.
What now then?
Lenglet now finds himself at a profession crossroads. In an effort to be a part of Simeone’s facet, he should first negotiate an exit take care of Barcelona, sacrificing a major chunk of the wages nonetheless owed over the following two seasons.
Even then, he must comply with a considerable pay lower to suit into Atlético’s wage construction.
Barcelona are totally supportive of a easy exit, understanding that preserving Lenglet would create extra monetary pressure. The urgency fits either side, however a breakthrough will depend upon the defender’s willingness to forgo a part of the €32 million nonetheless due on his contract.
If not, he may discover himself caught at Camp Nou with no clear function and no aggressive soccer, particularly as Hansi Flick has no plans to incorporate him within the squad for the upcoming season.