Barcelona defender has an agreement in place to join Atletico Madrid – report

Having announced the signing of Dani Olmo earlier today, Barcelona now turn their attention to the departures front which has been largely silent in the first half of the transfer window.

With less than a month left, the Catalans are under pressure to close sales and Clement Lenglet is one of the frontrunners to be on the way out.

The French defender did indeed have minutes in Hansi Flick’s plans in pre-season. Despite that, though, the centre-back was never going to have a role in the garnet-and-blue colours once the season started.

Deal done?

Earlier today, reports brought to light that two La Liga clubs were interested in Lenglet’s signing – Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.

As furthered by Ruben Uria however, sources from Villarreal claim that Lenglet to Atletico Madrid is a ‘done deal’ and that he already has an agreement in place with Los Rojiblancos.

Needless to say, this comes as a massive update after news of Diego Simeone’s green light for the transaction, for it virtually seals the end of Lenglet’s six-year relationship with Barcelona.

It must, however, be noted that the two clubs must still reach an agreement over the terms of the transfer.

A financial hurdle cleared

Barcelona have been trying to offload the French defender for several years now. The reason behind their adamance on parting ways with him is not only the lack of his inclusion in the manager’s plans but also from a financial standpoint.

Despite not being a regular member of the squad, the 29-year-old’s salary has choked Barcelona’s already delicate finances year after year.

As per reports, if Lenglet stayed at Barça for the 2024/25 season, it would cost the club around €19 million in his salary and amortisation costs.

Lenglet’s sale, thus, will clear up significant space on the wage bill and enable Barcelona to register new players with ease for the coming campaign.