Time is Running Out for Lenglet
Atletico Madrid to Send Barcelona Player Back
Clement Lenglet has not been a bad defender for Atletico, but it seems the Madrid club will not activate his purchase clause.
According to reports, the French defender has become a key figure in Atletico Madrid’s lineup under Diego Simeone. However, his future at the club remains uncertain as his loan deal expires at the end of the season, and Atletico is still hesitant about whether to retain him.
With Atletico’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey, as well as diminishing La Liga title hopes, the club’s management is planning for next season. However, Real Madrid’s loss to Valencia and Barcelona’s draw against Real Betis have reignited hopes of a title race among Atletico fans.
Lenglet, who joined the team late at the start of the season, became a regular starter in October 2024 in a match against Real Sociedad. So far, he has played in 29 matches (27 as a starter), logged 2,457 minutes, and contributed with two goals and two assists. These stats make him the eighth most utilized player in the squad, earning Simeone’s full trust. However, a few mistakes—including an unnecessary penalty against Espanyol and a harsh foul on Lamine Yamal in the Copa del Rey—have drawn criticism, though these incidents went unpunished.
One of the upcoming challenges is Lenglet’s status in the Club World Cup, which begins on June 15. His loan deal expires on June 30, while the tournament could extend until July 13. Atletico is considering extending his loan until the end of the competition.
Although Lenglet has proven his worth at Atletico with solid performances, accurate clearances, and defensive authority, he has no place at Barcelona and is unlikely to be retained if he returns. With eight weeks left in La Liga, his performances will be crucial in convincing Atletico to invest in him. Time is running out, and Lenglet’s future remains uncertain.