It’s difficult to know exactly what to make of Clement Lenglet’s Tottenham Hotspur spell. Neither outstanding nor underwhelming, the Barcelona loanee has simply gone about his business with a quiet authority.
Yes, there has been a few mistakes here and there – that home defeat to Newcastle United comes to mind – but on other occasions Lenglet stood out amongst Antonio Conte’s oh-so inconsistent backline. The France international was one of the few Spurs players who performed to their peak during that insipid 1-0 Champions League loss at AC Milan at the San Siro.
In an era of binaries, of flops and hits, Lenglet falls somewhere in the middle. A shade grey amid all the black and white.
It remains to be seen where Lenglet will be plying his trade in 2023/24. It would be a surprise if the former Sevilla stopper returned to Barcelona or, indeed, stayed at Tottenham. The cash-strapped La Liga leaders, Sport say, plan to sell Lenglet this summer. But a permanent move at Tottenham appears unlikely with Antonio Conte – the man who brought him to the English capital – out of contract.
There are, at least, a number of other Premier League clubs who may be willing to offer Lenglet a fresh start, Sport add, with seemingly everyone in the market for a left-sided centre-half these days.
Could Liverpool sign Tottenham Hotspur loanee Clement Lenglet?
Lenglet, valued at just £16 million, falls on the ‘affordable’ side of the scale. And he would arrive at his next club with a wealth of experience both on the club and international stage.
The identity of Lenglet’s Premier League suitors remains a mystery for the time being. But, if those recent rumours are anything to go by, a left-sided centre-back is almost as high on Liverpool’s to-do list as a much-needed midfield addition. Alongside Gvardiol, Jurgen Klopp’s ageing side are reportedly in pursuit of Wolves’ Max Kilman. Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio too. And perhaps even Everton’s PSV loanee Jarrad Branthwaite.
Per Caught Offside’s Ben Jacobs, Liverpool also wanted Benoit Badiashile before his January switch to Chelsea.
The Frenchman’s future uncertain
Lenglet would probably be seen, perhaps a little unfairly, as a slightly underwhelming addition given the nature of his Tottenham spell. But presuming Virgil van Dijk is set to remain Klopp’s number one pick next season – and that seems likely, despite a recent dip in form – whoever arrives at Anfield is likely to be a rotation option rather than a guaranteed starter. Spending £16 million on Lenglet then, while saving funds for a high-quality midfielder or two, may be Liverpool’s best course of action.
“He has a lot of serenity, assurance and technical quality,” France boss Didier Deschamps says of a man who won three trophies at Barcelona. The 2019 La Liga title among them.
“He’s calm on the ball,” Deschamps adds. “Without being very big, he is also effective in duels and knows how to anticipate. He’s still improving but he gives off a lot of confidence.”
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