Barcelona ready to make shock Clement Lenglet decision in January

The French defender is struggling to get enough playing time at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa, currently fifth in the Premier League, is off to an impressive start this season, amassing 22 points with seven wins, one draw, and three losses. They have also performed well in the UEFA Europa Conference League, with two wins and one loss. The only blemish on their record is their elimination from the Carabao Cup. However, not everything is rosy within Unai Emery’s squad.

Lenglet is NOT in Emery’s plans

French central defender Clément Lenglet is facing serious challenges under Emery. After a season on loan with Tottenham, he returned to FC Barcelona during the summer. Initially, it seemed like he might return to Spurs, but he ultimately chose to join Aston Villa. Lenglet was eager to take on this new challenge but he has not had much of a chance to prove himself at Villa Park.

Unai Emery has yet to field Lenglet in the Premier League, with no minutes played in 11 matchdays. However, the Spanish coach has given him playing time in the Europa Conference League, where Lenglet started in the first three matches, playing the full 270 minutes. For a player of his caliber, this is undeniably insufficient, and it is a source of concern for both Lenglet and FC Barcelona, where he is under contract until June 2026.

What will Barcelona do?

According to SPORT, the management of Lenglet’s situation has raised eyebrows at Barcelona, especially considering that Aston Villa was insistent on acquiring him. The Catalans, who partially covered his salary with the expectation that he would increase in value in the Premier League, are considering rescuing him from his predicament in January.

Club officials are reportedly contemplating terminating his loan if possible and sending him to a La Liga club to ensure he gets playing time and his market value doesn’t decrease too much. Last June, his value was estimated at 10 million euros, according to Transfermarkt, and it may have already decreased following his start to the season.

However, Lenglet, as well as Aston Villa, believes that he can turn the situation around and establish himself, as per Sport. Barcelona seems to have a different opinion and are already exploring alternative options. The Catalan media suggests that the Blaugrana might try to loan him out to Real Betis this winter, a club in need of a central defender. The position of Villa, who appreciates Lenglet’s professionalism, and the player himself remains uncertain.

Last summer, Lenglet turned down a tempting offer from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Thus, he will also have a say in this matter come winter.