Barcelona outcast informs club he wants permanent move to Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Clement Lenglet last played for Barcelona in the 2021-22 season and has been out of the Catalans’ project ever since.

A series of loans have unfolded over the past few years, giving him a chance to prove his worth away from the club, but he still contractually remains a Barcelona player.

After failed stints at Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, Lenglet is now playing at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone.

For the first time in years, he has managed to establish himself as a regular starter and has become a pillar in Los Rojiblancos’ defence.

Needless to say, the player feels comfortable under the command of Simeone and wishes to continue at the Madrid-based club given his importance. Negotiations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, however, have not yet begun.

Lenglet’s final decision

As relayed in a recent report by SPORT, Lenglet has communicated to Barcelona that he prefers staying at Atletico Madrid if the two clubs can reach an agreement.

Barcelona, for their part, demand €10 million for the player which is a reasonable ask given how he has become a crucial part of Simeone’s plans this season. Atletico Madrid, however, refuse to shell out even that token figure.

Lenglet wants to continue at Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Los Rojiblancos have had their luck signing Barcelona players in the past, not only in the Antoine Griezmann saga where they netted a massive profit but also in the signing of Luis Suarez who joined on a free transfer.

They now hope to secure Lenglet exactly as they signed Suarez.

For Lenglet, it is the best possible scenario that he ends up at Atletico Madrid for he will have a prominent role in a team that regularly competes in the UEFA Champions League and fights in La Liga.

The Frenchman’s firm stance on staying in Madrid is key in negotiations but also leaves Barcelona in a tricky spot.

Los Rojiblancos refuse to pay any sum to Barcelona for his move, citing the unburdening on the salary slip to be a big enough token for the Catalans.

Barcelona, however, are not wrong in their demand to command a fee but are in a position of a disadvantage given that not many more clubs have shown interest in the Frenchman.

It now remains to be seen what comes of the Lenglet saga this summer. A lot will depend on the interest his positive season generates in clubs other than Atletico Madrid.