Atlético Madrid hand Barcelona a transfer boost ahead of the summer | OneFootball

The brass at La Liga giants Barcelona look set to be afforded a timely boost on the part of their counterparts at La Liga rivals Atlético Madrid this summer.

This comes amid confirmation that the Rojiblancos, despite recent reports to the contrary, intend to sign Clément Lenglet outright for next season.

Defender Lenglet has of course spent the season to date on loan at the Metropolitano, from Barcelona.

And after a shaky start to life in Spain’s capital, the Frenchman has since gone on to establish himself as an important member of Diego Simeone’s backline.

Despite as much, it had been increasingly reported in the media of late that Atlético were not planning to make Lenglet’s arrival a permanent one, owing to the financial demands of Deco and the Camp Nou board.

Such a development would have proven a heavy blow for the latter, who have no place for the big-earning former Sevilla man in the club’s squad for next season.

Safe to say, then, that all associated with Barcelona will no doubt be delighted with the latest word stemming from Spain’s capital on Tuesday.

Drawn on his side’s plans for Lenglet beyond the conclusion of his loan at the end of the season during an interview with TV3 (as cited by Diario Sport) this afternoon, Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo confirmed:

“Lenglet is a player owned by Barça. Let’s talk. I imagine that there will be an agreement for him to continue with us.”

Conor Laird – GSFN