Atlético Madrid has signed French international center-back Clément Lenglet from Barcelona on a season-long loan, without an option to buy. At 29 years old, Lenglet joins Atlético to strengthen their defense following several departures in the summer transfer window.
Atlético Madrid announced on Monday that they have secured the services of Clément Lenglet from Barcelona on a season-long loan.
The agreement between the two Spanish clubs does not include an option to purchase, meaning that Lenglet will return to Barcelona at the end of the season. This move is part of Atlético’s strategy to bolster their defensive options after a summer of significant changes in their backline.
Lenglet, a 29-year-old French international center-back, brings a wealth of experience to Atlético Madrid. Known for his composure on the ball and strong aerial presence, Lenglet will be looking to rejuvenate his career under Diego Simeone. His addition to the team comes alongside Robin Le Normand, another recent defensive signing. These new arrivals are expected to fill the gaps left by the departures of Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso, and Gabriel Paulista, who all left Atlético during the current transfer window.
Lenglet's journey to Atlético Madrid has been marked by several significant stops across Europe. He began his professional career at Nancy, a club known for its strong youth development program in France. His impressive performances at Nancy caught the attention of Sevilla, a club with a strong reputation for nurturing young talents, where he further honed his skills and gained valuable experience in La Liga and European competitions.
In 2018, Barcelona recognized his potential and secured his services for a transfer fee of approximately 35 million euros. Lenglet initially established himself as a key figure in Barcelona's defense, known for his ability to read the game, intercept passes, and contribute to the team’s build-up play from the back. However, despite his promising start, his role at the club diminished over time due to increased competition for places and managerial changes. This led to him being loaned out to Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa over the past two seasons, where he sought to regain his form and confidence.
During his time in the Premier League, Lenglet showcased his versatility and resilience, adapting to the fast-paced and physically demanding style of English football. At Aston Villa in the 2023/24 season, he made 25 appearances, demonstrating his defensive capabilities and earning praise for his performances. However, with Barcelona's continued defensive reshuffling and strategic focus on younger talents, Lenglet found himself once again seeking new opportunities.
Atlético Madrid’s decision to bring in Lenglet reflects their desire to maintain a solid defensive structure under the guidance of manager Diego Simeone, who is known for his emphasis on a strong, disciplined defense. Lenglet’s experience and tactical awareness are expected to align well with Simeone’s defensive philosophy, which could see the Frenchman playing a pivotal role in Atlético’s campaign this season.
As Atlético Madrid prepares for the challenges ahead, Lenglet's experience in La Liga and European competitions will be invaluable. His loan move represents a fresh start, and the French international will be eager to prove himself once more in one of Europe’s top leagues. Atlético fans will be hoping that Lenglet can help solidify their defense and contribute to the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
