Time is running out for Barcelona to complete their transfer dealings in this summer transfer window. The Catalan club needs to sell some players not only to buy new players, but also to gain more margin in their wage bill, which would help them in the registration of their currently unregistered players.
In recent weeks, the Catalans have been looking to offload one of their forwards, with Ansu Fati being the main candidate for a departure. However, another player that the club has been trying to offload throughout the summer is the French defender, Clement Lenglet.
Barcelona losing hope of selling Lenglet this summer
FC Barcelona have been trying to sell Lenglet for the last few seasons now, and throughout this summer, they were in negotiations with Tottenham Hotspurs, the club where Lenglet spent the last season on loan, for a permanent sale of the center-back.
However, there were reports that the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement because Barcelona wanted a significant transfer fee, while Spurs wanted to pay only the wages of the player and a token transfer fee. Lenglet had personally agreed terms with the Premier League side.
With these negotiations not going anywhere, SPORT now reports that Barcelona have conceded defeat in this operation, as they believe that it is very difficult to sell Lenglet this summer. However, this also does not mean Lenglet would remain with the squad, as the club is still hopeful that he can be sent on loan.
No place for Lenglet at Barcelona
The report further mentions that Xavi has already disclosed to Lenglet that he is not a part of his plans for this season, especially as the Catalans have also signed Inigo Martinez this season. The high wages of the Frenchman also make him an undesirable asset for the club, as the Catalans would have to pay €16 million to him this season.
These high wages are also one of the reasons why other clubs are reluctant to sign Lenglet. Now Barcelona will have to look for a club that is willing to take up the entire wages of the Frenchman, or at least a significant part of it. Meanwhile, failure to transfer him closes the doors for another new arrival at Barcelona, other than Joao Cancelo.
