Clément Lenglet is set to move to Benfica from Atlético Madrid, according to Portuguese media outlet Record. The 31-year-old French international defender will reportedly join the Portuguese side on a permanent transfer, experiencing a new league after spells in France, Spain and England.
The move comes as Benfica seek a replacement for Nicolas Otamendi, who recently joined River Plate. Lenglet, who is under contract with Atlético until 2028, will bring significant experience to the Benfica backline. He initially rose to prominence at Nancy before moving on to establish himself as a consistent performer in top European leagues.
Lenglet’s career has included stints with Sevilla (2017-2018), Tottenham (2022-2023), FC Barcelona (2018-2022) and most recently Aston Villa (2023-2024). At Barcelona, he became a key figure in the team, although his time at Tottenham and Aston Villa saw him play a less prominent role. Last season with Atlético Madrid, Lenglet featured in 24 matches, starting 21 of those games.
He has also represented France on 16 occasions, including participation in the Euro 2021 tournament. While he hasn’t been a regular in the national team setup recently, his move to Benfica could offer him a platform to regain form and potentially challenge for a place in future squads. The transfer provides Benfica with a seasoned defender and allows Atlético Madrid to trim their squad, potentially freeing up resources for further recruitment. This move could solidify Benfica’s defensive options as they prepare for upcoming domestic and European challenges.
