Barcelona Transfer News: Clement Lenglet Deal Close in Latest Rumours
La Liga champions Barcelona are reported to be closing in on a deal for Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet.
The 22-year-old is said to be the club's top defensive target. Barcelona are hoping to complete a deal in June, according to Sport's Albert Roge and Toni Frieros.
Lenglet would join Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen as the club's defenders for next season. January signing Yerry Mina, who has struggled to make an impression, is likely to depart, per Roge and Frieros.
Sevilla president Jose Castro was asked about Lenglet and said the club is in negotiations with the defender, per Sport.
"We are talking to Lenglet," he said. "That's no secret. He has years to go on his contract with us and we want him here for many more years. We have no information from Barcelona. Yesterday we met with the father and agent of the player and they told us nothing, other than that they are very happy here."
Lenglet has become a key part of the Sevilla defence and made 51 appearances in all competitions this season. He put in an eye-catching display in the club's impressive UEFA Champions League round-of-16 win over Manchester United.
Pique and Umtiti are Barcelona's first choice central-defensive partnership, but Lenglet would strengthen manager Ernesto Valverde's options and could rival the duo for a starting spot.
Rafael Hernandez at Grup 14 explained what it would mean for back-up defenders Mina and Thomas Vermaelen:
Mina only arrived in January but has struggled for game time. He has said he found football in La Liga "a little difficult" but revealed he is not thinking about leaving, per Mundo Deportivo (h/t Marca).
The Colombian came in for criticism after a poor performance in Barcelona's 5-4 defeat at Levante. Marca's Jason Pettigrove offered his view:
Mina may not want to leave, but if Lenglet arrives, his chances of game time at Barcelona may recede further. He may benefit from a loan move to help adjust to life in La Liga and gain valuable playing time.
Barcelona may want to move quickly to secure Lenglet, as his £30.7 million release clause reportedly rises towards the end of the summer transfer window, per Marca's Alberto Fernandez.
The club's interest in Lenglet makes sense as he is a young yet experienced defender who is available at a good price. His arrival would allow Pique and Umtiti, who both looked fatigued at the end of the season, rest and strengthen an already impressive back line.
