Irrespective of whether Samuel Umtiti will sign a contract extension or not, Barcelona have decided to strengthen their defence.
Catalan newspaper Sport claims Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet has emerged as the top target for the La Liga winners.
Barcelona have already “accelerated their contacts” with the player’s representative and with Sevilla.
Lenglet has a release clause of €30m at Sevilla. Barcelona had been hoping to reduce the price tag, but the Andalusia-based club are unwilling to agree, which is reasonable.
The two clubs share a good relationship and thus, and it’s stated Barca will meet the full €30m, but hope to be able to pay the amount over a period of time. If Sevilla agree to that, it sounds like a great scenario for Barca.
Gerard Pique and Umtiti are the first choice centre-backs used by Ernesto Valverde this season, and Lenglet had been worried that a move to Barcelona would see him become a permanent substitute.
However, the defender’s confidence of winning a place has said to have increased in recent weeks. Sport don’t say so, but perhaps they’re referencing a couple of dodgy defensive displays from Barcelona recently.
There’s been some disagreement in Spain over Lenglet’s release clause, with some claims it increases from July 1st.
