FC Barcelona Officially Terminates Clement Lenglet’s Contract, Saving Millions in the Process
FC Barcelona has made the strategic decision to officially terminate the contract of French central defender Clément Lenglet, a move that is expected to result in significant financial savings for the club. The early termination will allow Barcelona to avoid paying approximately $36.5 million (or €32 million) in wages that would have been due over the remaining two years of Lenglet’s agreement.
Lenglet originally joined the Catalan giants in 2018 from Sevilla, with Barcelona investing about $40 million (€35 million) to secure his services. While he initially featured regularly in the starting lineup, his role diminished over time. In recent seasons, Lenglet was sent out on loan—most recently to Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid. During the 2024/25 season, he became an important figure in Atlético’s squad, starting in 32 of the 34 matches, which suggests he still has the quality to compete at a high level.
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Why Barcelona Made This Decision:
Financial Fair Play Regulations:
One of the primary motivations for cutting ties with Lenglet is to ensure compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. By terminating his contract, the club eliminates the burden of an annual salary estimated at $18.3 million (€16 million). This is a crucial step for a club that has faced ongoing scrutiny over its wage structure and overall financial health.
Budget Reallocation for New Signings:
Freeing up this large sum also provides Barcelona with more financial flexibility to pursue other targets. Specifically, it allows the club to consider triggering the $28.5 million (€25 million) release clause of Joan García, the promising young goalkeeper from Espanyol. García is seen as a smart long-term investment and could be a vital addition to the team’s future lineup.
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What Lies Ahead for Both Parties:
Lenglet’s Expected Next Move:
Now that he is no longer under contract with Barcelona, Clément Lenglet is widely expected to sign a long-term contract with Atlético Madrid, the club where he has most recently impressed. Reports suggest that he could agree to terms that would keep him at the club until June 2028, continuing his professional journey under the management of Diego Simeone.
Barcelona’s Defensive Lineup Going Forward:
From a tactical standpoint, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick appears to be content with the current center-back options at his disposal. With emerging star Pau Cubarsí, experienced defender Íñigo Martínez, and the consistently reliable Ronald Araújo already forming a strong defensive core, Lenglet was no longer seen as a necessary part of the squad. The decision to release him, therefore, aligns with both the club’s financial objectives and its sporting direction.
In summary, the termination of Clement Lenglet’s contract is a calculated move by FC Barcelona aimed at reducing financial strain and optimizing the squad ahead of the new season. It also gives Lenglet the opportunity to continue his career with a club where he has found recent success.
