Everton in the mix to sign £13 million Barcelona man who is no longer needed at Camp Nou

Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet has a bleak future at Camp Nou. The French defender could be offloaded in this summer transfer window and Everton is in the mix to sign the centre back.

Everton’s central defence conceded 66 goals in 38 Premier League games, fifth worse record in the league this season. Had it not been for the spectacular Jordan Pickford producing otherworldly saves, the Toffees would have ended up conceding more. Over the course of the season, defensive errors cost them heavily and almost brought them to the brink of relegation.

Everton’s central defence needs to be reinforced. Yerry Mina has failed to remain fit during the crucial junctures of the season. Michael Keane and Mason Holgate have struggled to remain defensively reliable. Their performances have been volatile.

Frank Lampard wants to build a robust squad and strengthen key positions in the team. Centre back remains a priority this summer for Lampard. The likes of Levi Colwill and James Tarkowski have been linked with the Merseysiders.

Everton enquire about Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet

Now, Lenglet has also joined the list of defenders being linked to Everton. According to Spanish publication Diario Sport, Lenglet is one of the payers that Barcelona does not need. Xavi prefers other central defenders to him and now with the reported arrival of Andreas Christensen, Lenglet is set to further fall down in the pecking order.

Previously, Lenglet was not open to leaving Barcelona but in recent days the player’s stance has changed, open to leaving on a loan rather than a permanent transfer. This way, the Frenchman will not have to compromise on his gigantic salary.

He arrived for £32 million from Sevilla and became a core part of Barcelona’s defence under Ernesto Valverde and Ronald Koeman. Under Xavi, Lenglet doesn’t enjoy that privilege. At this point, the 26 year old is more open to a loan move rather than a transfer as he feels he can still prove himself and earn a starting spot in the team.

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Everton, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have enquired about him however, the £8.5 million annual salary is considered too huge by some clubs. Barcelona would like to sell him for around £13 million but Lenglet’s departure seems complicated.

Despite Everton being linked, it is unlikely that they will be willing to take Lenglet on loan and pay his enormous salary. Instead, signing Tarkowski on a free transfer is a much cheaper and smarter option. Lenglet’s form has fallen off the cliff and he continues to struggle so despite carrying out basic surveys for the player, Everton should remain away from the Frenchman.

Should Clement Lenglet be considered as an option for Everton?