Barcelona are set to reignite their interest in Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet as they lay down contingency plans for the potential departure of Samuel Umtiti.
Spanish publication Sport are reporting that Barcelona are making a list of potential replacements for Samuel Umtiti, should he end up leaving. The report iterates that Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet, who has earlier been linked to Barcelona, has also emerged as a target for the Catalans.
Samuel Umtiti has quickly grown into a loved figure at Barcelona. The Frenchman has become crucial to the Catalans’ fortunes. But, the player and the club seem to have different views as far as his contract his concerned. Barcelona are unwilling to match the wages that are on offer from Manchester United for Umtiti.
Thus, the Frenchman could be on his way out in the summer. And the Catalans seem to be making a long list of potential transfer targets to replace their key man. The club would rather bring in a player who has La Liga experience, which has seen them linked with Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez.
However, Clement Lenglet could be the solution. The Sevilla defender was earlier linked to Barcelona and is reported to have a €30 million release clause – a meagre amount by the current lofty standards of the transfer market. At 22, Lenglet is only into his second year of his La Liga stint, but his matured performances have caught the eye of many clubs.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all taken a liking to the 22-year-old. Lenglet though, seems to have moved up to almost the top of the wishlist at Barcelona after a brilliant campaign with Sevilla, especially with the player’s defensive display against Romelu Lukaku in the Champions League earning plaudits.
At 22 and contracted with Sevilla till 2021, a €30 million fee could see the deal turn out to be a bargain for Barcelona, who are looking to cut down on their spending after spending freely over the last few transfer windows.
Lenglet himself seems to be an admirer of the club that is Barcelona as he spoke about the club’s interest in him while talking to a French agency. The 22-year-old though, maintained that he is focused on his current tasks at Sevilla.
“Barcelona are a great team, with international players at a very high level. But it’s the same here (at Sevilla), too, and I am happy here. We will see what happens in the future, but for now, I am focused on La Liga and the Champions League.”
If Umtiti does end up leaving, Barcelona could target Lenglet, whose €30 million release clause means that the Catalans could actually save some in net spend, which could be utilised to reinforce other areas in the summer.
