Barcelona Agree First Signing Of The Summer

Ernesto Valverde may have helped Barcelona to a domestic brace in his first season at Camp Nou, but the early exit from the Champions League will mean that he will be busy in the summer transfer window this year.

The Catalan giants are linked with a number of exciting stars for a move this summer, and reports now suggest that they have completed their first transfer already.

According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have agreed on a deal with Sevilla to sign star defender Clement Lenglet on a five-year deal.

It is reported that a fee for this deal is yet to be agreed with Sevilla, but that the player has pledged his services to Barcelona for next season.

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The 22-year old was expected to cost around £20m, but it is possible that Barcelona are ready to break the bank and meet his release clause of €35m (£30.7m), which will land him without any further problems.

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The French U21 international, who made 48 starts for the Spanish giants across all competitions, has been in superb form, showing great composure and strength at the back in the Champions League as well as in La Liga.

He is touted as a replacement for fellow French ace Samuel Umtiti, who is extensively linked with an exit. English giants Manchester United are closely following Umtiti, and might strike a deal for him this summer, and Lenglet is viewed as his replacement.

Barca used Thomas Vermaelen and Yerry Mina in the 5-4 loss to Levante recently, highlighting their need to strengthen their backline.

And with Umtiti’s future also in doubt, it makes a lot of sense for Barcelona and Valverde to complete Lenglet’s signing early in the summer.

At just 22, he is a long-term prospect, and could be a match winner in the future for the newly crowned La Liga champions.