Aston Villa have allegedly communicated their desire to Barcelona regarding the permanent acquisition of defender Clement Lenglet.
Aston Villa has opted against extending Clement Lenglet’s tenure following his season-long loan, ruling out another temporary arrangement and any plans for a permanent acquisition. Despite a slow start in B6, where Lenglet initially saw limited action in the Premier League and was primarily utilized in the UEFA Europa Conference League, he eventually earned opportunities in the English top flight from December onwards.
However, his league minutes remained limited, totaling just 1,155 throughout the season. Although Lenglet’s involvement may not have met expectations, his presence proved valuable for Villa, offering the chance to rest key players like Pau Torres ahead of crucial fixtures. Despite his contributions, manager Unai Emery aims to prioritize alternative defensive options for the upcoming campaign.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Villa has communicated its decision not to pursue Lenglet further to Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window. Incoming head coach Hansi Flick will assess the situation, but the current plan is to seek another destination for the French international.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery is optimistic about Tyrone Mings’ potential return to form after a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury sidelined him on the opening day of the previous season. Mings, a pivotal figure in Emery’s initial campaign, missed the entirety of the recent season due to his rehabilitation process.
Although it will require patience for Mings to regain match sharpness, his return to training in April marks the beginning of this journey. The upcoming pre-season will play a crucial role in determining his readiness for a potential return to the matchday squad. With Mings back to full fitness, Villa may find it unnecessary to seek a new center-back.