Clément Lenglet is getting closer to signing for Atlético de Madrid , as confirmed by Mundo Deportivo. After weeks of negotiations between Joan Laporta and Gil Marín, the two boards seem to have reached an agreement that will allow the French centre-back to join Diego Simeone's team. This move has accelerated in recent days, and everything points to the transfer being made official very soon.
Lenglet , at 29, has had a difficult time at FC Barcelona. After being an important part of his first few seasons, his role in the team gradually diminished. With the arrival of new defenders at Barça and the need for the club to settle its accounts, Lenglet 's future at the Blaugrana team became uncertain.
Laporta's decision
Laporta and his board initially did not want to let him go to Atlético, a direct rival in La Liga. However, the player's insistence and the lack of other attractive offers have made the transfer inevitable. Barcelona offered Lenglet the option of extending his contract, which ends in 2026, to spread his salary over more years.
In this way, the club could comply with the rules of financial fair play and although Lenglet was reluctant at first, he has finally given in. His decision has allowed negotiations with Atlético to move forward. The idea of returning to a competitive team in Spain has been key in his decision to accept this exit.
Gil Marín key during this transfer market
Gil Marín has been monitoring the process closely and Atlético de Madrid see Lenglet as an opportunity to strengthen their defence with an experienced player. Simeone, who always looks for committed and disciplined defenders, is confident that Lenglet will quickly adapt to his style of play. In addition, Lenglet's arrival will allow Atlético to have more options in a defence that has been a source of concern in recent seasons.
The agreement between the two clubs is practically closed, with only minor details left to be resolved before Lenglet is officially an Atlético Madrid player. For Barcelona, this transfer not only frees up space in its wage bill, but also represents an important step in its economic restructuring plan. Laporta, although reluctant at first, has prioritized the club's financial stability over sporting issues.
For Lenglet, this is an opportunity to relaunch his career. At Atlético Madrid, he hopes to find the prominence he lost at Barcelona. At 29, he still has a lot to offer and Simeone's team could be the ideal environment for him to recover his best form. Atlético, for its part, is confident that its new signing will become a pillar in its defence.