Atletico Madrid Keen on Retaining Barca’s Lenglet Beyond This Season”

**UTANG MFIN

UTANG MFIN

Sport** “Atletico Madrid Eager to Keep Barca’s Lenglet Beyond This Season” Published 1 day ago on February 21, 2025 By ENOCH

❗| According to Ferran Correas, Atletico Madrid is keen to open talks with Barcelona concerning Clement Lenglet. The French defender, currently on loan at Atleti, has impressed the club’s leadership with his performances, prompting them to consider the possibility of keeping him beyond the current season.

Lenglet’s comeback at Atletico Madrid marks a significant shift in his career, as he faced challenges with consistent playing time at Barcelona in recent seasons. Under Diego Simeone’s mentorship, the center-back has gained stability and adapted well to the club’s defensive tactics, demonstrating the qualities that once made him a standout player at Sevilla before his transfer to Camp Nou.

Barcelona originally loaned Lenglet to Aston Villa last summer, but his spell in the Premier League fell short of expectations, leading to an early termination of the loan. Atleti seized the chance to sign him during the winter transfer window, and this move has proven successful for both the club and the player.

Simeone appreciates Lenglet’s calmness on the ball, his positional awareness, and his game-reading ability. His contributions have bolstered Atletico’s defense, earning him the trust of his teammates and coaches. Given Atletico’s earlier defensive issues this season, Lenglet’s arrival has provided a much-needed boost, offering both depth and dependability.

For Barcelona, this possible transfer introduces an intriguing situation. The Catalan club is in a sensitive financial position and could welcome the opportunity to permanently offload Lenglet’s wages. Although the French defender was not part of Xavi’s long-term plans, Barcelona will aim to secure a fair transfer fee if Atletico opts to negotiate a permanent move.

However, discussions between the two clubs may not be straightforward. Barcelona is likely to ask for a fee that matches Lenglet’s market value, while Atleti, known for their careful financial approach, might seek a more favorable deal, possibly pursuing another loan with an obligation to purchase.

Furthermore, the player’s personal preferences will be key in the negotiations. Lenglet seems to be enjoying his time in Madrid, where he has been given a fresh opportunity to prove his worth at the top level. If he continues to perform at this level, he may push for a permanent move to Atleti, preferring stability over returning to Barcelona, where he would face fierce competition for a starting role.

The coming months will be crucial in deciding Lenglet’s future. Atletico Madrid’s aspirations for the season and their financial capacity in the transfer market will play a significant role in the final decision. Meanwhile, Barcelona will evaluate their squad requirements and financial plan before making any commitments.

As the summer transfer window nears, this potential deal could become one of the most captivating storylines to follow. With Lenglet revitalized and Atleti eager to retain him, all involved parties will need to navigate the negotiations carefully to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

For now, Lenglet remains focused on his performances, striving to help Atleti finish strong in La Liga and their European journey. Whether his long-term future is in Madrid or elsewhere, his resurgence under Simeone has certainly reignited interest in his abilities at the top level.