Barcelona offer centre-back to Sevilla at a discounted cost

Following the disappointment of their UEFA Champions League exit earlier this week, Barcelona are preparing for a major squad clearout over the next couple of transfer windows.

Recent reports have indicated that none of the players, apart from the untouchable trio of Gavi, Ansu Fati and Nico Gonzalez, are safe from the cull, as the Blaugrana aim to trim down their wage bill and generate funds to bring in new players that would fit in with the plans of manager Xavi Hernandez.

There have been claims that the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, Marc-Andre ter Stegen could be pushed out of the club.

Now El Nacional claims that Clement Lenglet is another player that is surplus to requirements at Camp Nou and will be offloaded in the upcoming January transfer window itself. The report further adds that Barcelona have offered the Frenchman’s services to his former employers, Sevilla, at practically no cost.

Lenglet signed for Barca from Sevilla back in the summer of 2018 in a deal worth €35.9 million. He enjoyed an impressive debut season at Camp Nou, but failed to build on it. After a sub-par last couple of seasons, the Frenchman has fallen behind Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo in the pecking order of things, while Oscar Mingueza is also an option at Xavi’s disposal at the heart of the defence.

As a result, Lenglet is considered an expendable member of the team. Furthermore, the Frenchman’s actions after the club’s defeat to Bayern Munich stirred up a lot of negative reactions as he was pictured smiling with Robert Lewandowski.

And, the Blaugrana have now offered the 26-year-old to Julien Lopetegui’s side. Even though he is valued at around €18 million, the Catalans are willing to let him at practically zero cost. Sevilla, who are concerned over the long-term future of Jules Kounde, may be tempted to take Lenglet back to the club, with the decision now up to manager Lopetegui and director Monchi.