Barcelona €10m-rated misfit subject of transfer enquiry from two La Liga clubs

With under three weeks left before the summer transfer window slams shut, FC Barcelona have their task cut out to speed up the process of offloading players who are not part of the plans.

One such footballer who has no place in the squad ahead of the new season is defender Clement Lenglet.

The 29-year-old, back after a loan spell at Aston Villa, featured heavily in pre-season and made an impression on Hansi Flick.

However, there is no space for him in the squad, especially considering that retaining him would cost Barcelona €19 million in salary and amortisation costs. As such, an exit is on the horizon.

Two La Liga clubs ask about Lenglet

Now, Ferran Correas of SPORT reports that two La Liga clubs have asked Barcelona about Clement Lenglet while expressing an interest in signing him.

The first team to have made an enquiry for the 29-year-old are Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine are in the market for a new centre-back and manager Marcelino Garcia Toral sees Lenglet as a good fit.

However, Villarreal are pessimistic about signing the Frenchman as they are not in a position to afford his big salary.

The second club to have asked about Lenglet are Atletico Madrid, with manager Diego Simeone understood to have given the go-ahead for his signing.

The Rojiblancos have already signed Robin Le Normand but are looking for another centre-back and with their pursuit of David Hancko not yielding the desired result, the focus has shifted towards Lenglet.

While his salary is seen as an obstacle, all three parties – Lenglet, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid – are confident about reaching an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone.