Barcelona face a headache after Atletico Madrid make decision on €7.5m player – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have dazzled on the pitch this season under new manager Hansi Flick. Despite falling short in the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, the campaign has been largely positive, and with the La Liga title still within reach, there’s plenty to celebrate.

However, despite the good form on the pitch, the same cannot be said about their off-field issues. Throughout this season, persistent issues have plagued the Catalan club, like Dani Olmo’s registration, and they are still not out of the woods, financially.

There are also a number of players who are still on Barcelona’s books but don’t have a future at the club, and the flag-bearer of that group is Clement Lenglet. He is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, where he has enjoyed a very good season.

Unexpected blow from Atletico

Clement Lenglet – will he find a permanent home this summer? (Photo by SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images)

As per SPORT, Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone have made the decision not to try and sign Lenglet permanently as they do not think it is financially viable. Agreeing on a fee with Barcelona is unlikely to be an issue, but the Frenchman is on enormous wages at the Catalan club.

It must be said here that Barcelona were forced to extend the €7.5 million-rated French defender’s contract last season until 2027 to ensure that his high salary was deferred further. However, Atletico’s decision not to sign him is now a headache for the Catalan club.

Lenglet has impressed this season at Madrid and looks to be the perfect fit in Simeone’s system. Thus, it comes as a surprise that the Spanish club doesn’t want to keep him, but as the report mentions, they have loftier ambitions like Cristian Romero.

Lenglet has impressed for Atletico Madrid this season. (Source: DataMB)

What do Barcelona do?

Barcelona now find themselves in a bind. With Lenglet unlikely to feature in their plans and no clear destination in sight, the club must act swiftly to offload him before the summer transfer window. His continued presence would be a financial strain and an obstacle to FFP compliance.

For Deco and the sporting leadership, finding a long-term solution is now a top priority. It is an unfavorable position to be in as a club, but it is what it is. Oh, Josep Maria Bartomeu – you are a gift that keeps on giving, aren’t you!