While FC Barcelona continue to make apparent progress on the front of arrivals at the Catalan club, they simultaneously continue to ensure that other priorities and objectives are also being tended to as the summer transfer window nears its conclusion at the end of August.
The operations concerning other targets such as Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo remain well on track to reaching completion as the Citizens and Barcelona remain consistently in contact to finalize an agreement.
However, the case of departures has been much slower in comparison. While the transfer of Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie to Al-Ahli went by smoothly and the unexpected departure of French winger Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain has also occurred, there remains one particular case which is proving to be a hindrance.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, French defender Clement Lenglet’s agent is expected to meet FC Barcelona some time today to discuss his ongoing exit operation and make it clear to the Catalans that his priority remains to be playing in Europe next season.
This point is important in regards to the interested parties willing to offer a transfer fee for the 28-year-old Barcelona defender, with the primary interest coming in the shape of English Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Spurs remain the priority destination for Lenglet after having already completed a season on loan with the English club and now wishing to head there permanently.
However, Barcelona and Spurs continue to have differences in terms of the final transfer fee as Spurs are unwilling to match the €15 million price tag Barcelona have allocated to their French defender.
On the other hand, Al-Nassr provide a superior financial package on a personal level as well as being accepting of the transfer amount being asked for by Barcelona, making it a much more suitable option for Barca to offload Lenglet to.
As a result, Lenglet’s wish to continue playing in Europe is becoming the primary hurdle for Barcelona to go ahead with the negotiations concerning Al-Nassr and instead will look to hold a meeting with the player’s agent to sort out the situation.
