Barcelona outcast close to joining Atletico Madrid for free with contract set to be terminated | OneFootball

According to Mundo Deportivo, Clement Lenglet is edging closer to sealing a permanent move to Atletico Madrid after a solid 2024/25 campaign on loan from Barcelona.

The French defender, who had no purchase clause in his loan deal, has done enough to impress Diego Simeone, so much so that the Atletico boss is now pushing for his return.

Lenglet’s situation is tied to the fact that Barcelona wanted a transfer fee for a player whose contract runs until 2027. Atletico Madrid, however, were not willing to pay for the move.

The alternative? A mutual contract termination. Talks between Barcelona and the defender’s camp are now at an advanced stage, with reports suggesting that an agreement is nearly finalised. If all goes to plan, Lenglet will join Atletico on a free transfer.

A permanent fixture for Simone

Lenglet found stability and form under Diego Simeone this season, featuring in 34 games, 32 of which he started. The Frenchman not only brought composure to the backline but also contributed with three goals and two assists.

Clement Lenglet is close to signing for Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His return to the France national team, where he started against Spain in the Nations League semi-finals, is proof of how far he has come since being sidelined at Barcelona.

Atletico are set to offer him a deal similar to his current terms, around €3 million in fixed salary, with up to €1 million in performance-related bonuses.

Talks to accelerate soon

Lenglet is currently with the French squad and is expected to play in the third-place match against Germany this Sunday.

Once international duty ends, he is expected to join Atletico Madrid in time for the Club World Cup preparations.

The move would end the rocky spell for the 29-year-old defender as a Barcelona player, who appears to have finally found a home in Madrid after a few tough seasons.

His consistency and trust from Simeone have helped him earn not only a spot in a competitive squad but also a ticket back to international football.