In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the future of on-loan Aston Villa defender Clement Lenglet. It has been claimed that the Villans are looking to terminate the French centre-back’s loan deal this January.
🇫🇷 Understand Aston Villa will speak to Clement Lenglet’s camp before the end of the month in order to discuss January exit — considered likely.
Barcelona will also be involved in the discussion.
🔴⚫️ AC Milan remain keen but still waiting to understand conditions of loan deal. pic.twitter.com/Z8L7VpIpPD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 20, 2023
Lenglet’s Unimpressive Loan Spell At Villa Park
Lenglet has struggled to earn a regular starting spot in Unai Emery’s first XI this season as he has often found himself behind Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos in Aston Villa’s pecking order. The 28-year-old has made five appearances for the Villans during this campaign which has all come in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The French talent has put in a few solid displays for the West Midlands club on the defensive end of the field. However, he needs to seek a move elsewhere if he wants to earn more game in the coming years.
His current loan spell at Aston Villa will come to an end next summer. However, Emery would have no choice but to terminate his loan deal if he is no planning to use the player often in the second half of this Premier League campaign.
Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Cut Lenglet Loose?
Lenglet is a good tackler of the ball and can make a few important interceptions for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when needed and can play his way out from the back. Standing at 1.86m, Lenglet can be a dominant presence in the air. However, the French defensive ace has found game time hard to come by at Villa Park this season.
Thus, it is only logical for Lenglet to opt for a change of scenery this winter in search of more playing opportunities away from the West Midlands club. At 28, he is currently playing in his prime, so it is fair to him if the Villans cut him loose when the transfer window commences at the start of next month.
However, Aston Villa should consider signing a suitable replacement before terminating Lenglet’s loan deal in January. With the Villans still competing in Europe, they would need a fresh face to inject more quality to their squad going into the second half of this campaign.
