A short while ago, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Aston Villa was considering a last-minute deal for Clement Lenglet, a Barcelona outcast.
On top of that, Gerard Romero now asserts that Barça and Aston Villa are in the midst of talks to sign the 28-year-old defender.
Lenglet Will Return to the Premier League
Lenglet’s former team, Sevilla, had shown interest in him, while Real Betis had also inquired about the Frenchman.
Olympique Lyon reportedly became interested in his condition more lately. Lenglet, who spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, however, seems destined to return to the Premier League, most likely to Aston Villa.
Barça and Villa are Coordinating the Operation’s Specifics
According to Romero’s update, the two teams attempt to arrange Lenglet’s exit. Barcelona wants Lenglet off their books as soon as possible, although it is still unclear if the transaction would be a permanent transfer or a loan move.
The Frenchman’s salary for the upcoming season is expected to be as high as €16 million (gross) due to his previous postponed salaries.
Given their current financial circumstances and desire to make cuts to sign and register new players, the Blaugrana cannot make that payment.
As a result, the La Liga winners became so desperate that they even extended Lenglet a letter of freedom, which he turned down.
Several Options Open to Lenglet
Lenglet is reportedly open to playing in the Premier League once more and says he enjoyed his time in England when on loan at Tottenham last summer, according to the source.
Once more, Tottenham was his top choice, but he’s intrigued by Aston Villa as well, so he might decide to go there.
Lenglet had been courted by several La Liga teams, notably his former team Sevilla and Real Betis. However, the Frenchman’s enormous salary makes it impossible for these teams to sign him, especially since Barcelona does not want to retain his future wages.
The Catalan club also extended a letter of freedom to the defender, but he declined it. Tottenham and the player had initially agreed on a transfer, but Barcelona refused to consent because Tottenham wanted to pay such a small sum.
Lenglet also received interest from Saudi Arabia but preferred to continue competing in Europe and turned down their advances.
