Clément Lenglet has been an economic problem for FC Barcelona in recent years. Before Bartomeu resigned, he decided to renew his contract by offering him a completely off-market salary that Barça was still paying. Trying to minimize the problems, Laporta extended his contract until 2027, deferring part of his salary so it wouldn't have such a big impact on financial 'fair play'. After much negotiation, he is finally leaving the culer squad, and he's doing so to continue playing in Spain.
Lenglet leaves Barça: he joins Atlético
This was first reported by journalist Matteo Moretto and has been confirmed by Madrid-Barcelona. Barça has reached an agreement with Clément Lenglet to terminate his contract by mutual consent. The Frenchman has forgiven the entirety of the salary he was due to receive until 2027 and will leave the club as a free agent. As soon as he obtains it, he'll head once again to Atlético, where he played on loan this season, signing a contract until 2028.
Although Barça was trying to receive a small transfer fee for Lenglet, it ultimately won't be possible. Laporta has been satisfied with getting rid of his entire salary, which will have a very positive impact on 'fair play'.
The case couldn't be prolonged much longer, with Atlético wanting to have the Frenchman for the Club World Cup. This way, Barça saves a salary of about €16 million ($17.4 million) (the cost per season for the club) and will significantly reduce the wage bill. In this regard, Ansu Fati's loan to Monaco, which is already in its final stage, will also have an impact.
"I'm going to play for Atlético"
Everything is advanced, to the point that only the signature is missing. Madrid-Barcelona has learned that Clément Lenglet has already informed his closest circle of his decision: "I'm going to play for Atlético".
After a long time being unhappy playing soccer, he has found a place there where they trust him and he can be important. Barça has found a solution to this case, losing money without a transfer fee but getting rid of one of the highest salaries on the current roster.
It's a bittersweet operation, especially because it strengthens a direct rival for LaLiga, but Barça has managed to end one of the problems that most concerned the sporting management.