FC Barcelona already have a lot on their plate when it comes to dealing with their massive economic mess. Already riddled with massive debt, there are certain problems that Barcelona have completely overcome and others that still linger.
Unwanted players needed to be offloaded by Barcelona, and the club was successful in doing so to a degree. Some stars for their huge wages, and others to generate revenue, the reasonings for various departures were unique.
Forgotten Frenchman
However, one name in particular continues to be a headache that could soon return to Barça. Whereas players like Samuel Umtiti and Philippe Coutinho were permanently offloaded, Clement Lenglet still remains an FC Barcelona player.
The French central defender is currently on loan at Aston Villa but remains under contract with FC Barcelona until 2026. As highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT, he continues to be a financial liability for Barça and will become an even bigger one in 2024.
With his salary being divided between Barcelona and Villa, it is still an arrangement that costs Barça. Once his loan ends, it will again be the full responsibility of La Blaugrana to manage his financial caretaking.
Unimpressive under Unai Emery
Moreover, any chance of a permanent sale to Aston Villa after his loan ends also seems unlikely. Playing under Unai Emery for now, the 28-year-old has thus far been unable to impress his head coach. The French central defender is not exactly the first choice for the former Villarreal coach.
Interestingly, he has yet to even debut for Aston Villa in the English Premier League this season. However, he does have two UEFA Europa Conference League appearances under his belt.
Villa’s biggest defensive arrival this season was Pau Torres, and Lenglet has more or less had to play second fiddle to the Spaniard.
Future Implications
His previous loan at Tottenham Hotspur was a far more positive story for the Frenchman. Making a good name for himself under Antonio Conte at Spurs, Barça had hoped it would be enough to warrant a permanent transfer.
However, due to different understandings of his price tag and the player’s own hesitations, a permanent move could not materialize.
For now, it looks like Lenglet will likely return to FC Barcelona in the summer of 2024. The Catalans will still be hoping that the player is able to make a comeback and steal an important role under Unai Emery. This would allow La Blaugrana to have a better chance at permanently offloading him when the time comes.
