FC Barcelona headed into this summer transfer window with a clear aim to get rid of the fringe players in the squad, who are not needed by Xavi going into the next season.
Clement Lenglet is one such player whom the club has been looking to offload for some years now, and who spent the last season on loan at Tottenham.
This summer, negotiations between Tottenham and Barcelona have been going on for a full sale of the French center-back, but nothing has been agreed between the two clubs. Tottenham are offering only a minimal transfer fee for the center-back, as they will assume the full portfolio of player who commands very high wages at FC Barcelona.
However, according to a recent report from SPORT, there is another party currently expressing interest in the out-of-favor defender – Al-Nassr, a Saudi club that can offer up to €15 million for the French defender.
Lenglet moving to Al-Nassr would be a more favorable option for Barcelona, as the Saudi club is willing to pay a higher transfer fee to the Catalan club than what they would have received from Tottenham.
Previously, the Catalans were happy enough to offload the player without even getting any significant transfer fee, as lowering the wage bill is one of the most urgent tasks awaiting Barcelona right now. This move would not only create space for new recruits but also enable the registration of newly renewed contracts.
The report further indicates that Al-Nassr have tabled a contract of three years for the Frenchman, and would pay him the same wages that he is currently earning with Barcelona.
Still, the option of Tottenham is also not fully ruled out, but the London-based club would have to increase their offer to Barcelona if they are willing to get into the competition for the center-back. The defender himself would also prefer a move to England than going to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career.
