With Richarlison's move all but completed, attention turns to yet another key area in the Tottenham squad that needs strengthening. Antonio Conte wants at least one new centre-back this summer, in particular one that can operate in the left centre-back role in the Italian's favoured three-man backline.
Inter's Alessandro Bastoni was the number one target, while Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig fame was also high on the wishlist. It's looking increasingly unlikely that neither player will leave their respective team this summer, forcing Spurs to alter their plans. Pau Torres remains a target, and a deal for the Spaniard could yet come to fruition, particularly with Villarreal keen on turning Giovani Lo Celso's loan move permanent, but it's another La Liga centre-back who is set for a summer switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs were linked with a move for Clement Lenglet last summer, yet the player himself wasn't interested in a transfer 12 months' ago. After a disappointing campaign that saw him start just seven times for Barcelona, the Frenchman is more open to a switch to Spurs as he seeks to rebuild his reputation.
The 27-year-old was impressive for Sevilla prior to his 2018 move to the Blaugrana, and his form for the Seville side ultimately convinced Barcelona to pursue the centre-back. However, during his time at Camp Nou, Lenglet's confidence has taken a battering, while injuries haven't aided his cause.
Yet when called upon Lenglet, Barcelona struggled, winning only two of seven league matches he started last season. Now a butt of jokes at Camp Nou, it's no wonder they are prepared to listen to offers for Lenglet. For Spurs to have gone from Bastoni and Gvardiol to Lenglet feels underwhelming, but there is some sound logic behind the pursuit of the latter.
The main reason behind a move for Lenglet is that he'd be joining on loan. Barcelona may be keen to offload permanently, but a temporary exit may be best suited for all parties at this stage. Conte would be able to work his magic with a player who has struggled for form and rebuild his confidence in the same way he has done for Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur. The duo struggled with Juventus, but were vital in Spurs securing a Champions League finish.
As a left-footed centre-back also, there would be the crucial balance to the defence that is required in a three-man backline. Lenglet may have limited experience in playing in such a system, yet a ball-playing centre-back in a setup is key and, for all of his shortcomings, the France international is able to pick out a teammate with ease when required.
Of those to have registered at least 500 minutes of action, a pass success rate of 91% was the fourth best of all Barcelona players in La Liga last season, and at an impressive return of 89.4 passes per 90, that the second best in the division. The main issue with Lenglet is that as his morale has plummeted, mistakes have become a regular occurrence and this in turn has had a negative impact on his performances.
🎯 Only Toni Kroos (91.6) made more passes per 90 than Clement Lenglet (89.4) in La Liga last season (20+ apps) pic.twitter.com/l8enEH4weo
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 30, 2022
And in such a high pressure club like Barcelona, these will only be magified under the unforgiving Camp Nou floodlights. While Spurs fans have a penchant for getting on players' backs quickly, they are perhaps more forgiving than the Barcelona faithful, particularly with Conte in charge. The Italian has the full backing of supporters for the north London side, and the general consensus will be that if Lenglet is good enough for Conte, then he is good enough for Spurs.
Additionally, Lenglet will provide competition for Ben Davies in that starting left centre-back role. The Welshman was regularly overlooked during Nuno's infamous reign at the Spurs helm, totalling just 120 minutes of league action prior to his November dismissal. Under Conte, though, Davies is key in defence. Only Hugo Lloris (2520) and Harry Kane (2494) registered more Premier League minutes with Conte in charge than the 29-year-old (2419) to signify his importance to the Spurs boss' three-man defence.
It's a role Davies plays in for Wales, and to very good effect, so the transition from left-back to left centre-back was done with ease. Under Conte, he has been one of Spurs' most consistent performers, yet there is a lack of cover for Davies should he be forced to a spell on the sidelines. Lenglet, then, would provide that protection for the former Swansea man once he is up to speed with Conte's demands.
Finally, Lenglet would come in as a stop gap for Spurs that would allow them to assess their options next year. It's fairly obvious that Lenglet wasn't first choice for the left centre-back role for Spurs, but with number one targets not available this summer, he is able to hold the fort, so to speak, until those targets are prepared to move on.
If Conte is able to rebuild Lenglet's confidence, then Spurs would have a handy centre-back option at their disposal, and if the move doesn't work out, then they could simply send him back to Barcelona upon the culmination of his spell. It's a low risk move for all involved, and one that ticks all the boxes for all parties. Lenglet may not be perfect, but as a short-term fix, then who is to complain?
