French defender Clément Lenglet has joined Benfica Lisbonne on a one-year loan deal from Atlético de Madrid, with the Portuguese club holding an obligation to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season. The agreement will see Lenglet contracted to Benfica until 2029 should the obligation be met. This move marks a fourth country for the centre-back, following spells in France, Spain, and England.
Lenglet spent the last two seasons with Atlético de Madrid, making 61 appearances across all competitions. However, he found himself often behind other options in the squad, leading to limited playing time in recent campaigns. Prior to his move to Spain, the 28-year-old enjoyed a successful period with Barcelona, where he established himself as a key player in the team’s defense.
Speaking to Benfica’s television channel, Lenglet explained his decision to join the club. He stated that the project presented to him felt like a very good opportunity for his career, highlighting Benfica’s ambition to compete for both domestic and international titles as a key factor. He expressed his desire to be part of a team striving for success, which ultimately led to his choice.
The transfer comes as Benfica seek a replacement for Nicolás Otamendi, who has recently returned to his native Argentina to join River Plate. Otamendi’s departure created a void in the Benfica defense, and the club has moved quickly to secure Lenglet as his successor. The arrival of a player with Lenglet’s experience and quality is expected to strengthen Benfica’s backline as they compete on multiple fronts. This move allows Benfica to maintain a high level of competition in central defense and continue their pursuit of silverware.
