Atletico Madrid has sent shockwaves through Barcelona with a daring stance in negotiations, setting the stage for a heated transfer battle.
The Catalan club is currently in painstaking negotiations to terminate the player’s contract, which expires in 2027, as they look to relieve some Financial Fair Play pressure and lower their wage bill.
The player’s wage, including deferred payments, has become a concern, and the club has decided against another loan deal.
Atletico’s preference is a permanent deal, although they want the player to be a free agent and have a lower contract than what he earns at Barcelon, which has created a stalemate.
The player is Clement Lenglet, a 29-year-old French centre back.
Atletico Madrid has made clear they will not give any financial fee to Barcelona.
Lenglet played well during a loan arrangement where he made 34 appearances, but Atletico will only sign him on a free transfer once his contract ends, which means they must believe him capable of playing on a low salary, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Given the low salary ceiling and general negotiation parameters to find a middle ground, Lenglet must also accept a salary budget cut that allows Atletico Madrid to undertake a potential transfer deal.
Negotiations continue to be difficult ot wrap up in time, and with Atletico looking at other options for a defender, the clock is ticking.
Barcelona is keen to ensure an uncomplicated departure for him, as keeping Lenglet would add to their financial strain, especially given that manager Hansi Flick will not be including him in the squad.
Allowing the deal to get to this stage relies on Lenglet agreeing to give up a large share of the €32 million owed over the next two years.
Without a middle ground, the defender would be potentially frozen out at Camp Nou, with his career probably not including playing any competitive football.
The pressure to find a resolution is on both parties, but it’s unclear what the end result will be.
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