In a recent report, Sport offered an update on the future of Aston Villa loanee Clement Lenglet, who is currently playing on loan from Barcelona. It has been stated that the Villans have not ruled out signing the French defender permanently in the summer.
Lenglet’s Up-And-Down Loan Spell At Villa Park
Lenglet is having a loan spell of mixed emotions at Villa Park as he has struggled to earn regular playing opportunities but has done well to make a positive impact at the heart of Unai Emery’s defence in recent weeks. The French talent has featured in 17 matches for the Villans this season, picking up one assist in the process across multiple competitions.
The 28-year-old has been a rock at the back based on his average of 0.9 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from inside his half after making 89.7% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
Lenglet’s loan spell at the Midlands club will run out at the end of this campaign. Hence, Unai Emery would have a big decision to make on whether to land him permanently from Barcelona in the summer.
Should Aston Villa Head Coach Unai Emery Sign Lenglet Permanently?
Lenglet is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his side inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when the opposition are on the front foot and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back.
The France international can even use his strong 1.86m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air when he is playing well on the pitch. At the moment, Lenglet is playing an important role in Unai Emery’s match-day squad. Therefore, the Villans would be wise to try and attempt to sign him permanently in the summer transfer window.
At 28, Lenglet is playing in his prime and has got enough experience in the Premier League, so the Midlands club can expect to unlock the best out of him in the coming years. He might even help Aston Villa challenge for a major trophy or two in the not-too-distant future.
