Barcelona coaching staff pays special attention to exit-bound defender in training

At a time when Barcelona are selling regular starters to alleviate the financial crisis, it is almost astounding that deadwood like Clement Lenglet continues to remain in Catalonia.

The French defender is back training in Barcelona after two years in the Premier League, and while the club is working hard to facilitate a departure, there do not appear to be many clubs interested in signing him.

His high wages, however, make it unsustainable for him to hold a place in Hansi Flick’s side, and the situation is so dire that the club is even considering renewing his contract further to defer his wages.

Flick Is Attentive to Lenglet

While Lenglet is largely considered an outcast at Barcelona and his future is uncertain, Hansi Flick has given the Frenchman significant attention in recent training sessions as revealed by SPORT.

The German tactician and his staff appear to value the centre-back’s experience and left-footed profile, especially at a time when Mikayil Faye is close to an exit and Andreas Christensen is injured.

During today’s training session, Flick affectionately grabbed Lenglet by the shoulder during training, chatting jovially with the defender.

Meanwhile, his assistant, Marcus Sorg, was seen joking about some aspect of the footballer’s left thigh and Toni Tapalovic, another of the coaches, was also chatting with Lenglet.

If the signs are anything to go by, one cannot rule out Lenglet staying in Catalonia.

Atletico Madrid Move Falls Apart

The veteran defender has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid for several weeks now, as Los Rojiblancos have been on the lookout for a left-footed centre-back for next season.

In recent hours, however, Diego Simeone’s side has advanced significantly toward signing Feyenoord star David Hancko and is said to be very close to reaching an agreement.

Lenglet’s move to Civitas Metropolitano, thus, appears to have fallen apart at the last minute, and it remains to be seen if Barcelona can find another suitor. Given the limited time left in the transfer window, the chances appear slim.