Aston Villa sign Barcelona outcast Clement Lenglet

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, the club have confirmed on their official website.

The 28-year-old returns to the Premier League after a previous loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur, where he made 35 appearances across all competitions.

Lenglet joins Villa on a season-long loan deal without a purchase option, with the Birmingham club needing cover in the defensive areas.

Club captain Tyrone Mings is set to spend an extended spell in the treatment room after undergoing surgery on a significant knee injury he picked up last month.

Lenglet has been brought in to cover for the experienced England international, with Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Villans will cover 75% of his salary for the duration of the temporary switch.

The France international becomes the fifth summer signing of the transfer window for Villa following the arrivals of Pau Torres, Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans and Nicolo Zaniolo.

He will strengthen an already impressive squad, who are looking to build on last season’s seventh-place finish under the tutelage of the experienced Unai Emery.

Lenglet told VillaTV: “I’m very, very happy to be here. It’s a real pleasure.

“I played against the team last year with Tottenham, and it was really, really difficult to play against Aston Villa.

“I spoke with the manager and Monchi during the summer, and I’m very excited to be here. I’m very happy to share one year with the club.”

Lenglet emphasised Emery’s influence in his decision to move to Villa Park, citing his admiration for the manager and desire to learn under his leadership.

“It was important for me to go to a club with an important manager,” Lenglet added.

“And we can see since he started with Aston Villa, the team is going through to the high, top level.

“I have experience at a high level because I’ve played for Sevilla, Barcelona, Tottenham. So, I have experience at that level.

“I will try to bring positivity, my smile and hard work because I think I can help the team in that aspect.”