During the previous summer transfer window, FC Barcelona loaned out several players. Some of these younger loanees were sent to other clubs to play at smaller clubs with more playing time and fewer expectations, while others were sent because the Catalan club could no longer afford to pay their wages and they were no longer needed in the first team.
Clement Lenglet, a French defender, was one of those in the latter category. The defender was loaned to Aston Villa, which reduced Barcelona’s wage bill significantly. The Catalan club also hoped that his performances in England would open up a market for the defender during the upcoming transfer window.
Emery is pleased with Lenglet.
However, there have been reports that Barcelona are looking to recall Lenglet from Aston Villa in January and send him to a La Liga club to increase his playing time and market demand.
According to SPORT, Aston Villa coach Unai Emery is very happy with Lenglet, and the Premier League club is not considering ending the loan in January or continuing him beyond the end of his loan contract.
Emery is preparing two Aston Villa teams for the Premier League and the Europa League. The Frenchman is a starter for the latter, and Aston Villa wants to keep its squad competitive.
Lenglet will not continue with Villa.
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Pau Torres and Tyron Mings are the other two left-footed center-backs on Aston Villa’s roster. The latter is currently injured but will return for the following season, eliminating the need for Lenglet.
As a result, it is unlikely that Lenglet will be recalled by Barcelona in the winter and loaned out to another La Liga club. Aston Villa are not going to keep him, so the Catalans will have to find another solution for him in the next summer window.
