Tottenham are reportedly planning to sign Clement Lenglet on a permanent deal from Barcelona this summer.
The French defender, 28, is at a crossroads in his career. He did not enjoy a great loan stint with Tottenham this past season. While the centre-back featured regularly, his performance levels were often not up to the mark. And he has now returned to Barcelona after the end of his loan spell.
However, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, Tottenham are trying to agree a permanent deal with Barcelona for the transfer of Clement Lenglet. The north Londoners are said to be offering €10m, whereas Barcelona are holding out for €15m. Despite the difference of €5 million, there is confidence a deal can be agreed between the two clubs.
Barcelona remain in financial turmoil and must offload several players before welcoming new signings at Nou Camp. Thus, it is not surprising that the Blaugrana are eager to get rid of Lenglet, who is at a high salary at the club.
The report adds an agreement needs to be reached between Lenglet and Barcelona over deferred wages and the rest of his contract, with Spurs not ready to match the terms he’s currently on.
Clement Lenglet to Tottenham—Should Spurs sign him on a permanent deal?
The arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham has marked the signings of three players, with Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison joining the club. Manor Solomon, who is joining on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, is also in London for a medical on Tuesday as Tottenham close in their fourth summer recruit.
As the hunt for a new centre-back continues, Spurs are understood to be keen on signing Lenglet permanently from Barcelona, after his loan expired at the end of last season. Lenglet’s performances in a Spurs shirt were hit-and-miss, as he made 35 appearances in all formats, chipping in with a goal and two assists.
Yet, the Frenchman could be a solid back-up option for Spurs next season with the north Londoners in advanced negotiations with Wolfsburg starlet Micky van de Ven. Having got valuable experience from his first Premier League season, Lenglet could kick on and establish himself as a key player under Postecoglou. And being left-footed should help as he would bring balance to the Spurs’ backline as well as depth to their defensive unit.
The ex-Sevilla man can operate in a flat back four or in a three-man defence, and his versatility coupled with his experience at the highest level, will be an added bonus for Postecoglou’s side.
An agreement in principle on a three-year deal has been reached between Lenglet and Spurs. The Premier League side are forcing Barcelona into ripping up the 28-year-old’s contract due to his big wages, with the Frenchman currently earning £145k-per-week. With that being said, if Spurs are able to potentially sign Lenglet on a free transfer, it would represent a smart acquisition.
