Sevilla are reportedly weighing up the prospect of re-signing Clement Lenglet from Barcelona in next summer’s transfer window.
According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, Clement Lenglet is the subject of interest from former club Sevilla over a possible move in next summer’s transfer window. The Andalusian giants see the Barcelona defender as a potential long-term replacement for Jules Kounde.
Clement Lenglet joined Barcelona from Sevilla in July 2018 and has since gone through the highest of highs and some plundering lows. The Frenchman enjoyed a solid debut campaign at Camp Nou, which helped him establish a foothold in the French national side. However, the player’s stock has been on the wane ever since, and he has become a rotation option at Barcelona this season.
The 26-year-old has started only eight of the 18 games played by Barcelona this term, with Eric Garcia, Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo all ahead of him in the pecking order. Such a situation has paved the way for widespread reports to suggest Lenglet could leave Barcelona next summer, with Sevilla joining the race to sign him.
The Andalusian giants have been linked with Lenglet previously, with recent reports even claiming that they have been offered the chance to re-sign him. The interest in the Barcelona defender makes sense, as concerns are mounting over the long-term future of Jules Kounde.
Since the summer transfer window, the French defender has been heavily linked with Chelsea, with the Blues still keen on signing him. So, with Kounde likely to embark on a new challenge next summer, Sevilla will need to dip their toes in the transfer market for a centre-back, making Lenglet a viable target.
While Lenglet’s stature might have declined at Barcelona in the last 18 months, the Frenchman can still do a decent job at the back. And returning to his former club could give him the opportunity to resurrect his stuttering career.
However, Xavi wants to keep the 26-year-old defender in his squad beyond next summer’s transfer window, leaving Joan Laporta with a dilemma. That is because reports have previously suggested that Barcelona might be open to cashing in on Lenglet, but Xavi’s insistence on keeping hold of the player might change things. So, it remains to be seen if Lenglet returns to his former club or stays put at Barcelona.
