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Should Barcelona still go ahead with the Clément Lenglet move?

By Chiranjib Ghosh

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 11: Clement Lenglet of Sevilla controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Sevilla FC at Allianz Arena on April 11, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 11: Clement Lenglet of Sevilla controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Sevilla FC at Allianz Arena on April 11, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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Samuel Umtiti has renewed his contract at Barcelona

SPAIN – APRIL 14: Samuel Umtiti of Barca celebrates during the La Liga match between Barca and Valencia at Camp Nou on April 14, 2018 in Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
SPAIN – APRIL 14: Samuel Umtiti of Barca celebrates during the La Liga match between Barca and Valencia at Camp Nou on April 14, 2018 in Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Barcelona scouted and registered their interest in Clément Lenglet as a replacement for Samuel Umtiti, who was being linked to a €60 million move to Manchester United. But the 24-year old has signed a new 5-year contract with the club, with a new release clause of €500 million.

Clément Lenglet was the ideal replacement for Samuel Umtiti. He was left-footed, and had experience in the La Liga. The 22-year old would be a very good partner for the veteran Gerard Piqué.

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And now that Umtiti has reaffirmed his loyalty to the club, the management should not sanction Lenglet’s signing. Thomas Vermaelen is already there as backup to Samuel Umtiti, and with Yerry Mina expected to leave the club, Gerard Piqué would be without a backup.

There are doubts as to whether Lenglet would be able to act as a backup for Piqué. Two left-footed players in defence is not the best combination and that would be the case if Lenglet were to deputise for Piqué, or even form a backup pairing with Thomas Vermaelen.

The club would do well to end their interest in Clément Lenglet, and focus on other centre-back targets. The required profile for a player who can succeed Gerard Piqué would suit young, right-footed defenders who are European.

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Players like Benjamin Pavard, Matthijs de Ligt, Malang Sarr and Dayot Upamecano would fit that profile. Of course, promoting David Costas from the B team always remains an option, if the club wishes to promote La Masia.