Clement Lenglet joins Aston Villa on loan

Clement Lenglet is set for a return to the Premier League as the Barcelona center-back is headed to Aston Villa on a season-long loan.

Talks between the two clubs began yesterday and today a deal has been reached.

According to Sport’s Toni Juanmartí the loan does not include an option to buy. However, Villa will be covering 75 percent of Lenglet’s salary.

Barcelona had been looking for an exit for the French center-back since his return from Tottenham. The chance to return to Spurs seemed to be the one on the table but the departure of Antonio Conte and arrival of Ange Postecoglou cooled down those talks.

The deal is similar to the one from last season with Spurs.

Lenglet was not in Barcelona’s plans and with the Catalan side needing to free up wages, another loan was the best solution given the decreasing likelihood of reaching a deal with another club on a permanent transfer.

Like almost every club needing to move on a player on high wages, the option of heading to Saudi Arabia was also on the table. Lenglet was not convinced on that option and wanted to continue his career in Europe.

Aston Villa were in need of some depth at center-back following the injury to Tyrone Mings in the opening fixture against Newcastle. Mings suffered a knee injury, which required surgery, meaning he’ll be out for quite a period of time.

Lenglet should provide cover as a left-sided center-back. He has experience and could do well in tandem with Pau Torres.

Lenglet has a contract with Barcelona until 2026 and their hope is he manages to impress at Villa where talks on a permanent stay could be explored.