The success of a Barcelona loaned player, key for the summer market

The FC Barcelona board is beginning to see a glimmer of hope regarding Clément Lenglet's future. The 29-year-old center-back is displaying his best form in a long time with Atlético de Madrid and could convince the 'colchonero' team to sign him in the summer of 2025, which would allow Barça to close a key operation for their market plan.

Although an ankle sprain caused him to miss three matches, the Frenchman has earned the trust of Diego Simeone following the absence of Robin Le Normand. So far, he has scored a couple of goals in 12 matches (971 minutes) and has been a starter in the seven consecutive league matches that the 'colchoneros' have managed to win. Both the team and the defender are arriving at their best moment as 2024 comes to a close, just before facing the Catalans.

Lenglet will reunite with Barça this Saturday in Montjuïc

In this regard, Lenglet will have no restrictions to face Barça on Saturday in Montjuïc, as his loan did not include the so-called 'fear clause'. For the Blaugrana team, it is very important that the player from Beauvais completes a good season with the 'rojiblancos', as his salary is a genuine burden for the club's finances. The board had to renew his contract until 2027 to be able to defer part of his salary again, a crucial move to facilitate his transfer to Atlético de Madrid.

The 'colchoneros', although they did not disclose the figures of the agreement, took on a majority percentage of the very high salary (around 16 million euros) that the 29-year-old center-back earns annually. Looking ahead to the next summer market, Barcelona hopes to finally resolve the exit of Clément, who despite the complexity of his situation has always shown full willingness to negotiate. In 2022, the Frenchman was loaned to Tottenham, and last season, to Aston Villa. Both clubs ruled out his transfer due to his high salary.