Barcelona are reportedly set to offload outcast Clement Lenglet, while long-serving Sergi Roberto's time with the Blaugrana is at an end.
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Lenglet not played for Barcelona in yearsClub legend Roberto became a free agent Both set to leave in different waysWHAT HAPPENED?
According to , centre-back Lenglet will leave Barcelona in the next few days. Despite them wanting to sell him outright, a third-straight loan is on the cards. Lenglet is on an annual salary of €16 million (£15m/$17m) and he still has two years left on his contract. However, the former Aston Villa loanee is willing to drop his wage demands to secure a temporary exit – which frees up funds for Barca.
AdvertisementGetty Images WHAT BARCELONA SAID
Meanwhile, Sergi Roberto was not part of Hansi Flick's plans and it would have been hard to register the player due to the club's financial problems. The club confirmed on Sunday that he will not return after seeing his contract expire this summer.
A statement read: "Sergi Roberto has made his official departure from the Club where he has spent virtually his entire career, FC Barcelona. The first team captain's contract came to an end at the conclusion of last season and via an emotional video published on his social media networks he has made his farewell to the Club public. Furthermore, the Catalan player will hold a farewell event at the Auditori 1899 at at the Club on Tuesday 13 August at 12pm CEST in the presence of president Joan Laporta. The event will be shown live on Barça One."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
claim Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are interested in signing Lenglet on loan, so long as he dramatically drops his wage demands. Barca sporting director Deco reportedly wants to get a deal done before the new La Liga season starts next weekend.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
The Catalan side will bid a proper farewell to Sergi Roberto in the coming week at a press conference while negotiations regarding Lenglet's next move will continue in the background as Flick's side gear up for the new season.