Joan Laporta is in a difficult situation with Clément Lenglet . The French centre-back, who is not in Hansi Flick's plans, must leave Barcelona before the transfer window closes. The urgency to sell him is at its highest, as the club needs to reduce the wage bill and obtain income.
Laporta has turned to Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, Atlético de Madrid's CEO, to find a solution. He knows that Simeone needs a left-footed centre-back to replace Mario Hermoso and the Frenchman could be an option to consider.
Lenglet out of Barcelona's plans
Clément Lenglet returned to Barça after a loan spell at Tottenham. However, the Frenchman has no place in the squad. Flick has enough central defenders and does not see Lenglet as an option.
Faced with this situation, Barcelona are desperately looking for a club willing to sign him. But Lenglet 's high salary and the need for a transfer complicate the negotiations. Laporta hopes that the centre-back will facilitate things, but so far, nothing has been done.
Atletico Madrid, an option for Lenglet
Atletico Madrid have shown interest in signing Lenglet. Simeone needs a left-footed centre-back to complete his defence. Although Atletico have considered other options, such as Hancko and Hincapié, Lenglet represents a cheaper alternative. The red-and-white club have already made large investments this summer, which makes the operation for the Frenchman more viable.
Griezmann could facilitate Lenglet's arrival
Antoine Griezmann, Atlético's star striker , could play an important role in Lenglet's adaptation if his signing goes through. Both players were at Barcelona and are French, they have a good relationship. Griezmann 's presence in the Atlético dressing room could be a key factor in Lenglet quickly integrating into Simeone's team.
Time is running out and Laporta needs to finalise Lenglet 's exit before the market closes. Gil Marín, aware of the situation, has the opportunity to negotiate a deal that would benefit both clubs. The sale of Lenglet would ease Barcelona's financial burden and strengthen Atlético's defence. Meanwhile, the future of the French centre-back remains up in the air, with the hope that the deal will be finalised in the coming days.