Joan Laporta is always willing to do business with Atlético, a club with which Barça maintains a good relationship. During the past summer market, the long-awaited departure of Clément Lenglet took place, extending his contract and splitting his high salary. He did so on loan, with no purchase option, intending to get playing time and increase his battered value.
More than half a season later, we can say that the operation has been positive for both Clément Lenglet and Barcelona. The Frenchman is an undisputed starter for Simeone at Atlético and has requested an effort to keep him permanently. They are working on this at the Metropolitano, taking advantage of Joan Laporta's visit to bring closer positions that, right now, are not far apart.
Clément Lenglet goes to Atlético: the difference is four million
Relevo has revealed that offers for Lenglet are expected next summer, although Madrid-Barcelona can add that his priority is to continue at Atlético. In this scenario, it seems that both Barça and the colchonero team are forced to negotiate.
At the moment, Joan Laporta's desire is to obtain 12M euros for the definitive transfer of Clément Lenglet. Meanwhile, Atlético 'only' puts 8M on the table. The difference is four 'rocks', according to the cited information, and everything seems to indicate that it could be closed at a midpoint.
Barça asks for 12, Atlético offers 8... and Joan Laporta and Enrique Cerezo are willing to reach a common point, possibly closing the deal at 10M euros.
Clément Lenglet will not continue at Barça
Lenglet will turn 30 next June, and he hopes his birthday gift will be to stay permanently at Atlético. He is happy there, living in the capital of Spain and being important under Simeone's orders. He has played 25 matches so far this season, having scored two goals and provided two assists.
At Atlético, they are delighted with Clément Lenglet and have everything ready for his permanent signing. Joan Laporta is willing to find a common point. This would unblock the departure of a center-back who has been looking for a place for years.
Clément Lenglet was the last poisoned gift left by Bartomeu at Barça, and his sale to Atlético would put an end to a long-running saga.