In a press conference, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte provided an update on Clement Lenglet, who is on loan from Barcelona, and whether he will be able to continue playing in England after the current campaign.
Lenglet, a member of Barcelona since 2017, left the team on loan this past summer after losing his way at Camp Nou.
There have been conflicting rumours regarding the possibility of making the French international’s transfer permanent since his season-long loan agreement with Spurs was announced.
Lenglet has played 15 times across all competitions since joining the Lilywhites, with one goal and two assists.
The Evening Standard quotes Conte as saying, “Clement is a really talented player, don’t forget that we are talking about someone who played five years in Barcelona.” Conte was speaking about how the Barcelona loanee has performed in north London. You can tell you’re a good player if you play for a long time in a club with a rich history and significance. I consider him and how he needed to take on a fresh task.
“And when I spoke with him in the summer, I was quite explicit with him, saying that if you chose to play, you have to come with us, you will play, and you will be a really excellent player with terrific personality, technical ability, and good game choices.”
Conte continued by praising Lenglet’s dedication and attitude: “I can tell you that he was a big surprise for me in a positive way for his attitude, commitment, and behavior. Whether he starts or knows he won’t start during the training sessions, he always gives it his all.
Conte reiterated that the club will make the final decision about Lenglet’s potential future employment at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, saying:
“I am unaware of his contract’s current circumstances. I may assess what I observe in practice and on the field, after which I can share my assessment with the team. But as you are aware, the club makes the final call.
Lenglet extended his contract with Barcelona in 2020, while Josep Maria Bartomeu was still the club president, and it now runs until 2026.
Barcelona will hope that Tottenham signs him to a permanent contract at the end of the season because he is not in Xavi’s plans and is paid a very high salary.
