MADRID, June 9 (Xinhua) -- French international defender Clement Lenglet joined Atletico Madrid on a three year-deal on Monday after reaching agreement with FC Barcelona to terminate his contract on Monday, a year before its expiry date in June 2026.
"FC Barcelona and the first team player Clement Lenglet have reached an agreement for the termination of the contract linking the two parties."
"FC Barcelona would like to publicly thank Clement Lenglet for his commitment and dedication and wish him all the best for the future," announced the Barcelona website, which adds the defender made 160 first team appearances for the club he joined from Sevilla in 2018.
Lenglet had a series of loan deals in his Barca career as the defender spent the 2022-23 season with Tottenham and then had a season with Aston Villa, before spending the recently concluded campaign with Atletico Madrid, where he played 34 times and scored three goals.
After Lenglet ended his association with Barcelona, Atletico moved quickly to sign Lenglet on a permanent basis, confirming he has signed a contract until June 2028.
There is currently a slight doubt over his fitness ahead of the Club World Cup after his missed France's 2-0 Nations League win over Germany on Sunday with a hip injury. ■
