Clement Lenglet Sevilla

Lenglet closing in on €35m Barcelona move

Sevilla centre-back Clement Lenglet is closing in on a €35 million (£31m/$41m) switch to Barcelona, Goal understands.

The Frenchman has long been linked with the Catalan club but a deal seems to be growing closer to fruition as contract talks with his current employers broke down.

Manchester United had also been associated with the player, but it is the Camp Nou side who appear poised to secure his future.

Article continues below

Sevilla had hoped that improved terms with have seen him reject the advances of Barca and, after speaking time in both Dubai and Chantilly, he was in the Spanish city to hold discussions.

Last Wednesday, he met head coach Pablo Machin and manager Joaquin Caparros, who explained they were prepared to pay him the highest wage in the team. No deal was concluded, however.

Sources close to Lenglet have revealed that nothing, officially, he has been decided. The 22-year-old has told his coaches that his decision will be final and that no improved offer will change his mind.

Sevilla seem pessimistic over a deal and have already started looking for new centre-backs, with Florian Lejeune of Newcastle and Gianmarco Ferrari of Sampdoria on their shortlist.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are playing it cool over the deal but will not be drawn into passing comment.

Regardless, due to Financial Fair Play implications, they will be unable to sign the defender until July 1.

Barca are poised to pay Lenglet’s release clause of €35m to seal the deal, which is liable to take place in the first week of July. 

Advertisement