ESP: FC Barcelona, Barca - Getafe CF. La Liga Santander. Clement Lenglet of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF played at Camp Nou Stadium on April 22, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. kpng Copyright: xPRESSINPHOTOx PS_210422_021
West Ham United are reportedly plotting a shock swoop for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet this summer.
According to AS, the Hammers are in talks with the Spanish giants over a possible loan move for the France international.
Lenglet joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2018 and has established himself as a mainstay in the defence. The 26-year-old has made 133 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions. But, a slump in form last season has seen him fall out of favour with Ronald Koeman.
Barcelona are in a precarious financial situation and are looking to free up some funds this summer. The club are looking to offload a number of players including Lenglet, although they remain open to a loan move as well. Lenglet has five years left on his current contract.
West Ham could face competition from Everton, who are also interested in signing the Frenchman on loan.
Also read: West Ham United Confident Of Signing French goalkeeper
West Ham lack depth in defence, with Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna, and Issa Diop their only centre-back options. Considering the fact that they will be playing in Europe this season, David Moyes will definitely need to strengthen that area of his squad.
Lenglet will bring plenty of talent and experience to the West Ham backline. The Frenchman is a mobile centre-back who is excellent at reading the game and tracking runners. He averaged 2 clearances, 1.1 tackles and 1 interception per game last season.
Despite standing at just 1.86m, Lenglet is pretty solid in the air and can hold his own against physical opponents; he won 1.8 aerial duels per game in La Liga last season.
Lenglet is also extremely comfortable in possession and can dribble out of pressure as well as pick out passes from the back. He averaged close to 70 passes per game last season with a completion % of over 92. Moreover, he is only 26 and is still in his prime.
West Ham conceded a whopping 47 goals last season, the second-highest among teams that finished in the top eight. Their struggles at the back ultimately cost them a spot in the Champions League.
Lenglet’s arrival can certainly solve their defensive crisis.
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