Spanish newspaper SPORT claims Antonio Conte leaving Tottenham Hotspur is likely to prevent Clement Lenglet from joining Spurs on a permanent basis from Barcelona this summer – with the Frenchman currently at Spurs on a dry loan.
Lenglet, 27, has been pretty solid at Spurs since joining the club on loan in the summer. It was a deal that saw Spurs bring the 15-time France star to London without the option of a permanent signing. But one that could be arranged.
It could be argued that Lenglet has been Tottenham’s best signing of 2022-23. Without pulling up trees, and in terms of value for money – he probably is the best. Ivan Perisic has struggled of late. Richarlison is yet to score a League goal.
Expensive then, at £60m. Yves Bissouma is yet to live up to the hype. Arnaut Danjuma is yet to make an impact, Pedro Porro is showing positive signs but it is early. It might be that alongside Fraser Forster, Lenglet has been Spurs’ best.
For that reason, it might be that Spurs are keen to keep Lenglet. SPORT report that a fee of £16m would be required to sign him permanently. But with Conte leaving, it might actually scupper Tottenham’s chances of keeping Lenglet.
Conte leaving Tottenham could prevent Lenglet from joining permanently
Lenglet at £16m is a bargain. He is still yet to reach his peak years and left-footed central defenders are expensive. Spurs know that better than most, given their pursuit of Josko Gvardiol and Alessandro Bastoni. Lenglet is next best.
He has proved consistent for Spurs during his loan and also offers cover for Eric Dier in the middle of the defence. If Spurs are to make any movements in the summer, then landing Lenglet on a permanent deal should be a priority.
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