West Ham United‘s search for defensive reinforcements has taken a positive turn with news that Barcelona is willing to loan out defender Clement Lenglet, according to Spanish publication SPORT.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has deemed Lenglet surplus to requirements, paving the way for a potential exit. The French defender spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, and his time at Barcelona appears to be coming to an end.
The Hammers are among the clubs interested in acquiring Lenglet. They have already made their intentions known to Barcelona, but face competition from Napoli and Sevilla who are also reportedly keen on the 29-year-old.
While West Ham has expressed interest, they haven’t submitted a formal offer for Lenglet yet. This could be a strategic move as they weigh their options and assess potential competition.
The loan option for Lenglet holds significant financial appeal for the Irons. Manager Julen Lopetegui, a former Wolves boss, is keen to bolster his defence. Compared to their recently rejected £30 million bid for Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, a loan deal for Lenglet would be a much more cost-effective solution. The freed-up funds could then be used to address other areas of the squad needing improvement.
West Ham now faces a crucial decision. Lenglet’s experience and potential affordability make him a tempting target. However, they must carefully consider his suitability for their playing style and weigh the competition from other clubs. Whether they submit a formal offer will depend on their overall transfer strategy and their evaluation of Lenglet as a potential solution to their defensive woes.