Clement Lenglet has turned down Barcelona’s proposal to terminate his contract and allow him to leave as a free agent this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Clement Lenglet does not have a long-term future at FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants are ready to part ways with the 28-year-old in the summer transfer window. However, the defender has turned down the proposal to release him by terminating his contract. Meanwhile, he is a target for West Ham United.
Clement Lenglet and the rise and fall at FC Barcelona
Clement Lenglet has endured a rollercoaster ride since joining Barcelona from Sevilla in July 2018. The Frenchman was one of the best young defenders in La Liga when he arrived at Camp Nou half a dozen years ago. However, after a few excellent campaigns with the Blaugrana, he has seen his stock plummet.
The 28-year-old became a peripheral figure for Barcelona in the 2021/22 season before they loaned him out to Tottenham Hotspur in July 2022. The North London club did not complete a permanent move last summer, but Aston Villa took a chance with a season-loan loan deal.
The French defender struggled for game time in the 2023/24 season, racking up only 2,071 minutes across 25 appearances in all competitions. Lenglet’s stock has reached rock bottom, with interest only stemming from the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Aston Villa decided against completing a permanent move for the Barcelona outcast.
What next?
With Clement Lenglet not receiving much interest from any high-profile club, a summer exit from Barcelona as a free agent is possible. The Catalan giants are contemplating terminating the Frenchman’s contract to cut their losses on him, considering he is on high wages. However, that might not see the light of day.
The 28-year-old has turned down the proposal of a contract termination from Barcelona. In addition, the French defender is not interested in joining a Saudi Pro League club. Meanwhile, he is a target for West Ham United, with the Hammers scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window.
While Nayef Aguerd faces an uncertain future at West Ham, Angelo Ogbonna is on the wrong side of 30. In addition, West Ham will face stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund and a Spanish club. However, Lenglet’s fate will unlikely be a contract termination at FC Barcelona.
