Barcelona, Atletico Madrid accelerate efforts to finalise deal for €7.5m-rated defender | OneFootball

Having left FC Barcelona last summer to join Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal, Clement Lenglet enjoyed a successful stint in the Spanish capital.

Indeed, the Frenchman had a solid season, becoming a permanent fixture in Diego Simeone’s side, so much so that the Rojiblancos are eager to make his transfer permanent.

Lenglet, for his part, is also keen on signing for Atleti on a permanent deal and even travelled to Barcelona this week to push for a move before the FIFA Club World Cup begins next month.

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid step up efforts

Building on that, Mundo Deportivo now reports that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have now accelerated efforts to resolve the Lenglet situation as soon as possible.

The defender, who has been called up by France manager Didier Deschamps for the UEFA Nations League finals and will face Spain in the semi-final on 5 June, is expected to join Atletico for the Club World Cup starting on 15 June.

Lenglet wants to finalise Atletico transfer soon. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, his current loan deal expires on 30 June. Without an extension, Lenglet would be forced to leave the tournament before its conclusion.

All parties are now confident that the situation will be resolved in the coming days, ensuring that Lenglet’s participation in the Club World Cup is not at risk.

Barcelona may receive financial compensation, but discussions could extend further.

Atletico Madrid are interested in keeping Lenglet beyond the summer and are exploring all options, including a renewed loan or even a permanent transfer – provided the defender agrees to lower his wages, in exchange for a longer contract at the Metropolitano.

Either way, all parties are stepping up to find a mutually beneficial solution as soon as possible.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.