Barcelona handed ‘possible solution’ in efforts to force out defender

La Liga giants Barcelona could be afforded an imminent boost in their efforts to shift an out-of-favour member of the club’s defensive ranks off their books.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Clément Lenglet as the player in question.

Stopper Lenglet, for his part, spent this past season on loan away from Barcelona, after linking up with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The Frenchman went on to endure something of a hit-and-miss stint in England, managing 20 appearances across all competitions, including 14 league starts.

His exploits en route to as much, though, did not prove enough to convince the brass at Villa Park of his deservingness of returning for next season.

Lenglet, as a result, has made his way back to Catalunya’s capital, a prominent figure in the pre-season activities of new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.

This, however, does not mean that he will remain for next season.

Owing to an agreed series of back-payments following the pandemic, the 29-year-old currently stands as one of the highest earners in Barca’s squad.

Deco and co. are therefore desperate to cut ties, even offering Lenglet a free transfer away on a number of occasions.

To date, the French international has not opened to as much, understandably unwilling to simply forfeit such a considerable financial sum.

And yet, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, light may yet be at the end of the tunnel for Barcelona when it comes to the Lenglet case.

As per a report from Sport:

‘Besiktas, according to ‘Takvim’, have Lenglet on their list of transfers and would prioritise keeping him on a free transfer, although they are also willing to assume part of the Blaugrana’s salary on loan.’

Elsewhere, AC Milan, too, have been credited with an interest in the out-of-favour stopper.

Conor Laird | GSFN