Barcelona not keen on loaning out player to Atletico Madrid as they view Madrid club as direct rivals - Reports

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are reluctant to loan Clement Lenglet to Atletico Madrid because they view them as direct rivals. The French central defender is out of favor in La Blaugrana's squad and is expected to leave the club this summer.

While Los Rojiblancos allowed Joao Felix to join Barca on loan last season, the Catalonian giants are not keen on doing the same.

The Frenchman has spent the last two seasons away on loan at Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. Barca have a solid central defensive unit, boasting Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and more.

Hence, Lenglet is not expected to feature for the club this season under Hansi Flick. Getting Lenglet off the wage book would help Barca deal with their dire financial situation and register new signings. However, La Blaugrana reportedly don't want to strengthen rivals Atletico Madrid in the process. The club could still have sour memories of when Luis Suarez joined Atletico and helped them win La Liga.

Lenglet, meanwhile, joined Barcelona in 2018 and has made 160 appearances for the club so far.

Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to register defender urgently: Reports

According to Barca News Network, Barcelona have registered Clement Lenglet with La Liga as his departure could help them adhere to financial fair play rules. Hansi Flick wants Barca to register Inigo Martinez before the start of the season, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Martinez, 33, is a veteran campaigner in the Spanish top flight. He joined the club last summer as a free agent from Athletic Bilbao. Martinez also spent seven years with Real Sociedad's first-team before joining Bilbao.

The veteran made 25 appearances for Barca in his first campaign at the club. As per Mundo Deportivo, Flick has been impressed with Martinez and expects him to be a crucial player for the 2024-25 season.

Martinez played the full 90 minutes during the Joan Gamper trophy clash against AS Monaco. He could be used frequently throughout the upcoming season and would certainly bring a wealth of experience. His know-how could prove to be crucial in a young squad, especially in guiding 17-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi.