Clément Lenglet has landed in Barcelona with a clear objective: to finalize his departure from FC Barcelona as soon as possible. The 29-year-old French center-back has met this week with the sports management of the Barça club to resolve his future, conditioned by Atlético de Madrid's imminent participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 15.
Lenglet wants to continue under the orders of Diego Simeone and play the entire international tournament, something that would not be possible if his contractual situation is not resolved before June 30, the date on which his current loan expires.
Atlético wants to retain Lenglet beyond the tournament
The defender's performance in the red and white team has been remarkable. With 2,876 minutes played, three goals and two assists, Lenglet has been a starter in important matches such as the Champions League round of 16 against Real Madrid and the league matches against Barça.
Given this scenario, Atlético de Madrid wants to keep the player permanently, not only for the Club World Cup, but as part of their squad for the upcoming season. To do this, a definitive agreement must be reached with FC Barcelona in the coming days.
Barça wants compensation for the additional matches
From the Barça management, Lenglet's departure is viewed favorably, especially due to the high salary cost that his contract represents, which is valid until 2027. His departure would allow freeing up salary mass, one of the priority objectives of the sports planning for the new season, marked by the demands of Financial Fair Play.
However, if Lenglet's continuity at Atlético is extended only to play in the Club World Cup before closing his transfer, Barça will demand financial compensation for the additional matches played after the official expiration of the loan.
Advanced negotiations to avoid contractual conflicts
Both parties are interested in avoiding a formal conflict and resolving the situation before June 15. The red and white club, for its part, seeks to close the definitive incorporation of Lenglet before the start of the tournament, which would avoid any possible restriction or federative problem during the competition.
The player's disposition is also clear: Lenglet wants to continue at Atlético, where he has found regularity and confidence, and does not contemplate returning to Barça, where he is not in Hansi Flick's plans.
A priority operation for Barça, Atlético and Lenglet
The definitive departure of Clément Lenglet is shaping up as a key operation for both FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid. The former wants to lighten its salary mass and advance in its sports restructuring; the latter seeks to reinforce its defense with a player already integrated into its system.
The outcome, barring an unexpected turn, will come before the start of the Club World Cup.
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