Earlier this summer it was reported that Clement Lenglet’s move to Tottenham was at an advanced stage with Barcelona accepting a much smaller fee than the €12 million they were originally asking for.
Yesterday we reported that Barca understood that if they were to strengthen the side, they’d first need to sell some players, with Lenglet being the first name to likely leave.
Today, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that the La Liga champions are willing to wait for the right deal, believing that the French defender has more than one suitor.
Lenglet joined Barcelona back in 2018 from Seville for a reported fee of €35.9 million and made over 100 appearances before spending the 2022-23 season on loan at Tottenham.
The loan spell was very successful, despite Tottenham finishing outside the European places in 8th place, and the North London side are interested in signing Lenglet on a permanent basis.
However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is notoriously difficult to deal with and may be looking to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial position to get Lenglet on the cheap.
With this report, Barcelona is sending a message to Levy and the rest of the football world that they’re unwilling to sell him on the cheap, considering he has a contract signed until 2026.
Lenglet’s contract may be a barrier to his departure from Barcelona
The report in MD this morning indicated that Lenglet is paid €16 million gross a year after some COVID deferments and that figure is out of reach for many potential suitors.
Barca are expecting Lenglet to compromise on that salary in order to secure his exit and maintain first-team football elsewhere.
Although the French defender is currently on tour with Barcelona, he’s not expected to play a part in the upcoming season for Xavi, and thus a move away from Camp Nou is in the best interests of everyone.
Although as reported, Barcelona are willing to wait this deal out. Even if it impacts potential signings.
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