Tottenham's 'game' with Barça over French defender Clement Lenglet

Clément Lenglet may not have had his best season on a team level, but on a personal level, his loan spell at Tottenham has been a great opportunity for him to regain his lost confidence.

After two seasons of high level performances at Barcelona (and after exploding at Sevilla), the French defender had entered a kind of negative 'loop'. 

He lost his self-confidence and began to make mistakes unworthy of what he had shown up to that point. Faced with such an identity crisis, Lenglet and Barça decided last summer that the best thing was a way out. And Tottenham was the most attractive option.

BALANCE

And he has performed at a good level. It has not been an easy season at the North London club. Out of the European places for a long time, Spurs have had four coaches this year. After Antonio Conte's troubled departure, they went into a downward spiral that ended with a last 16 exit at the hands of Milan in the Champions League. 

In any case, whether in a back three as a left-sided centre-back (Conte's favourite) or in a back four, Clément has been fine and the overall review at Tottenham has been positive. 

On Thursday, the club released a statement announcing that both he and Danjuma were returning to their respective clubs after their loan spells. There was no option to buy sealed, so it is understood as a logical step rather than a renunciation of trying to get their hands on him permanently. 

GAMES

At Barça, it is understood as a game, since there have been negotiations for weeks. The technical secretariat hope to bring in between €10-15 million, but, for now, Spurs do not seem willing to pay that amount. With their new coach confirmed (Ange Postocoglou), the new squad is still being finalised. 

Another case that is still up in the air is that of Harry Kane. A major reshuffle is expected and we will see to what extent Lenglet is one of the priorities. Barça, that's for sure, are counting on a way out, this time in the form of a transfer.