Tottenham have completed the signing of defender Clement Lenglet from Barcelona. The player arrives on a season-long loan deal ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The move is subject to international clearance and a work permit. However, neither is likely to be an issue. This is a massive boost for Antonio Conte. He has been targeting a left-footed central defender during the transfer window.
TOTTENHAM AND CLEMENT LENGLET TRANSFER SAGA FULL STORY
The Frenchman becomes the fifth signing of the summer for Spurs. He follows the arrivals of Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic, and Richarlison earlier in the window. The arrival of Clement Lenglet also confirms Tottenham owners are willing to improve the team and spend money. Conte has continuously emphasized on having a squad depth to compete in the Champions League and other cup competitions.
The 27-year-old was made surplus to requirements by Barca boss Xavi at Camp Nou. Barca are continuously searching for ways to balance the books amidst its ongoing financial issues. The club also wants to support Xavi to sign players in the transfer window. So getting unwanted players like Clement Lenglet off the salary books to Tottenham will help the club sign new players.
THE DEFENDER NEVER CEMENTED A STARTING SPOT AT BARCELONA
The reality for the French center-back was he could never cement his starting spot with the Catalan side. Since making a move to Barca from Sevilla, he has been in and out of the team due to his bad form. Injuries also disrupted his Barca career. The defender was used sparingly over the past year. He is currently down the pecking order behind the likes of Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia.
So leaving on loan was the best option for all the parties concerned. The defender only made seven starts for Barcelona last season. He was booed while coming for the Spanish club. So, the main target for Conte will be to get the center-back some practice with the system. He is also likely to play in the friendlies to get some match practice before the season starts.
Clement Lenglet made the move to Barca from Sevilla in 2018. He has made 160 appearances for the La-Liga outfit across his four-year stay. The player has won the Copa-del-Rey and La Liga in his first season for the club. He also has 15 appearances to his name for the French national team.
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