According to a report from MARCA, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Aston Villa, has turned down two offers from Saudi Arabia because he wants to stay in Europe.
It is no secret that Barcelona want to resolve Lenglet future soon. For the past two years, he has been on loan to different clubs – most recently at Aston Villa, who have decided not to buy him permanently.
Interestingly enough, Lenglet had two promising offers from Saudi Arabia for the next season, but he chose to reject both.
The same situation occurred last season when he also had opportunities to play in the Saudi Pro League but decided against it as it is said that Lenglet’s preference is to continue playing in Europe at a high level.
Lenglet wants Premier League action
Lenglet’s goal is to keep playing in the Premier League or join a team that will compete in European competition next season.
At present, a quick resolution is not expected regarding his future as the transfer market has not officially opened, and many teams make their decisions on new signings at the last minute.
Barcelona do not want Lenglet
It is clear that Lenglet will not be staying at Barcelona next year because Hansi Flick already has an excess of central defenders and a limited salary budget.
The promotion of Pau Cubarsi to the first team has increased the number of centre-backs to eight, including Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martínez, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Chadi Riad, and Lenglet himself.
Given this surplus, it is evident that some players will have to leave, and Lenglet is one of them.
His departure would free up salary space, depending on how much his new team is willing to pay. Barcelona would prefer to sell him considering his contract runs until 2026.
