BREAKING: Barcelona Cut Ties With $36.5M Defender to Fund Nico Williams Transfer

In a decisive move as part of their ongoing squad restructuring, FC Barcelona have officially terminated the contract of French defender Clément Lenglet. The decision is expected to save the club a substantial $36.5 million (€32 million) in wages over the remaining two years of his deal—funds that are now expected to help finance the much-anticipated signing of Nico Williams from Athletic Club.

Clément Lenglet joined Barcelona in 2018 from Sevilla for a fee of around $40 million (€35 million). In his early years, the center-back was a regular starter and an integral part of the team’s defense. However, inconsistencies in form and the rise of new defensive talents gradually pushed him down the pecking order.

Over the past two seasons, Lenglet was sent out on loan—first to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and then to Atlético Madrid in La Liga. At Atlético, under the management of Diego Simeone, he enjoyed a relatively strong campaign, starting 32 of the club’s 34 games in the 2024/25 season. Despite this resurgence, Barcelona opted to part ways with the defender permanently.

The club’s decision to terminate Lenglet’s contract comes primarily as a financial strategy. Avoiding his annual salary of $18.3 million (€16 million) helps Barcelona remain compliant with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. With a bloated wage bill and limited financial flexibility, the club had to make bold choices to open space for new signings.

By cutting ties with Lenglet, Barcelona now free up a large chunk of their budget—just in time to potentially activate Nico Williams’ €25 million ($28.5 million) release clause. The young Spanish winger has become one of the hottest prospects in La Liga and a primary transfer target for the Catalan club.

Nico Williams’ explosive performances with Athletic Club and the Spanish national team at the 2024 Euros have only heightened the interest surrounding him. His pace, flair, and goal contribution make him a perfect fit for Hansi Flick’s tactical blueprint as the German manager seeks to inject more dynamism into Barcelona’s frontline.

The club sees Nico not just as a short-term boost, but as a long-term investment in a player who is already proven in La Liga and has immense growth potential. At just 21 years old, he represents both immediate impact and future stability.

The departure of Lenglet also reflects Barcelona’s current defensive strategy. With Pau Cubarsí emerging as a standout talent, and with the experienced Ronald Araújo and Íñigo Martínez already in the squad, manager Hansi Flick reportedly sees no need for an additional center-back like Lenglet.

For Lenglet, his next destination seems to be a familiar one. Reports indicate that Atlético Madrid are keen on signing him on a permanent basis, and the player is expected to agree to a long-term deal running until June 2028. He has already proven to be a good fit under Simeone’s defensive system.

Barcelona’s decision is being applauded by many fans and pundits as a pragmatic step. In recent years, the club has struggled with financial mismanagement and unsustainable wages. Letting go of high-earning fringe players like Lenglet sends a strong message that the club is serious about regaining economic balance.

Yet the fanbase remains somewhat divided. While many are excited about the prospect of signing Nico Williams, others are still holding out hope for a move for Rafael Leão, the electric AC Milan forward. Social media has been flooded with debates: “Nico is proven in La Liga, but Leão glides!” wrote one fan, highlighting the dilemma the club faces in choosing between two elite talents.

For now, the financial logic appears to favor Nico. His release clause is significantly lower, his adaptation risk is minimal, and he fits within La Liga’s wage structure. Barcelona are trying to rebuild smartly, avoiding overpaying for players or exceeding salary limits.

Additionally, Lenglet’s exit clears more than just salary space. It opens up a roster spot and reduces the dressing room crowd, giving younger talents like Mikayil Faye and Chadi Riad a clearer path into the first team rotation.

This move might be the first of several cost-cutting and squad-trimming measures as the club prepares for the new season. With the likes of Ferran Torres, Marcos Alonso, and Sergiño Dest also linked to potential exits, Barcelona could be setting the stage for a more streamlined and competitive squad under Flick.

As the summer window progresses, all eyes are on Barcelona’s next move. Will they pull the trigger on Nico Williams and secure one of Spain’s brightest young stars? Or will financial limitations force them to look elsewhere?

One thing is certain—Barcelona have sent a clear signal. They’re willing to make tough decisions if it means building a squad that aligns with both their financial responsibilities and sporting ambitions.

More updates are expected in the coming days as the Catalan giants continue to negotiate and reshape their future.