Barcelona defensive duo set to stay at club for the rest of the season

Ahead of the winter transfer window, Barcelona prepared a list of players for whom they would entertain bids in the winter transfer window. The operation to see players depart the club was vital because of the constraints on the wage bill and general finances.

Two of the names on that front were Clement Lenglet and Sergino Dest. With a massive cleanup planned for the defence in June, the duo were seen as saleable assets.

Sources have told Barça Universal that both Lenglet and Dest have made it clear to the club that they have no intentions of leaving in January. The operation to find them new suitors has been pushed to the summer when the situation could change.

Both the players have had a minimal role to play in Xavi’s setup. The Frenchman lost his starting position in the team during Ronald Koeman’s tenure and has not made a comeback since. Moreover, the growth of Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia does not bode well for him.

Dest, on the other hand, has fallen into a deep pit since Xavi’s arrival. With Dani Alves now taking over as the chief right-back, the USMNT star finds himself on the bench. Further, talks of Noussair Mazraoui joining Barcelona crush his hopes of succeeding at the club.

Laporta wishes to oversee a mass exodus in June, and the duo could make their way out then. As it stands, they will continue to don the garnet and blue for six more months.