Aston Villa Urged To Sign This On-Loan Defender Permanently: What Should Emery Do? | OneFootball

In a recent interview with Villa News, journalist Alan Hutton urged Aston Villa to sign Clement Lenglet, who is currently playing on loan from Barcelona, permanently this summer. Hutton said,

“I think there’s still the possibility there.

“The only thing I would say is that Tyrone Mings will be back next season and I think he is a massive leader within the team and he has been for a number of years now. He comes in and fills that position if I’m honest.

“Me saying that leads down the path that they might not keep him on, but I still think he’s an option. He’s done well even though he’s been in and out but when called upon he’s done a job.

“The problem is with Tyrone Mings coming back and the other options, Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa is a shoo-in as well so Emery has options there.

“That being said, I’m now leaning towards the side that he wouldn’t sign permanently.”

Lenglet is having a decent campaign while on at Villa Park as he has put in a string of solid displays at the centre of Unai Emery’s defence. The 28-year-old has made 23 appearances for the Villans this season, picking up one assist in various competitions.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: Julian Alvarez of Manchester City shoots and misses whilst under pressure from Clement Lenglet of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on April 03, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The French talent has done well to average 1.0 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been careful when distributing possession from the back based on his pass success rate of 89.7% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).

What Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Do With Regards To Lenglet?

Lenglet loves a tackle and can scan the danger well to make some timely interceptions for his side on the defensive third of the pitch. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and excels at playing his way out from inside his half.

Lenglet has already proven himself to be an important member of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s match-day squad. Hence, it makes sense for the Villans to try and sign him permanently when his loan spell expires at the end of this campaign.

Lenglet can undoubtedly help the West Midlands clubVilla Park.