Atlético de Madrid managed to sign Clement Lenglet, Barcelona's left-footed centre-back, last week. At 29 years old, the Frenchman arrives to strengthen the red-and-white defence and become a starting player. His incorporation has been much talked about and discussed in recent weeks, as it is known that he was not the red-and-white's favourite option.
Gil Marín was pushing until the end to sign David Hancko, a Feyenoord player. However, they were unable to meet the Dutch club's financial demands and opted for plan B. Atlético de Madrid knew that negotiations with Barcelona would be simple and cheap.
Although several media outlets have claimed that Lenglet was a player Simeone had asked for, the Argentinean was clear about who he wanted a few months ago. He publicly admitted that he would like Mario Hermoso to stay at the club, but the sporting management did not increase the renewal offer. The Madrid centre-back wanted more money, but Gil Marín considered that he should reduce the wage bill.
Without team
Mario Hermoso was a key piece in Diego Pablo Simeone's plans last season. The Spanish centre-back was one of the players who played the most minutes and became the master of the left-footed centre-back position. His great ball handling was what made him different and what the coaching staff considered fundamental.
Hermoso left through the back door, despite Simeone's clear interest in him continuing under his orders. The sporting management knew that a defensive facelift was needed and the departure of the Spaniard was a great option. Now, he is waiting for the offer that will make him choose a team and return to the competition.
Lenglet displaces him
Given Atlético de Madrid's delay in signing the much-needed left-footed centre-back, speculation began about Mario Hermoso's return. However, from one day to the next, Hancko and the rest of the options were ruled out and Gil Marín signed Lenglet. After a few years with few minutes, the Frenchman must recover his best form.
Simeone will have the challenge of being able to see again the player who amazed in Sevilla and made Barcelona almost 40 million euros. At 29 years old, he has the opportunity to be that elite defender again alongside the best possible coach, Diego Pablo Simeone.