Barcelona announce arrival of Manchester United target
Barcelona have announced they have signed Sevilla centre-back Clement Lenglet after triggering his €35.9m (£31.7m) release clause.
Manchester United were interested in signing the highly-rated defender after growing frustrated in talks to sign Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld.
Lenglet has emerged as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe since moving to Sevilla in January 2017 and now Barcelona have won the race for his signature.
Barcelona lavished €40m to sign Gremio midfielder Arthur earlier this week and now the La Liga champions have snapped up another young talent in Lenglet.
The 23-year-old opted to join Barcelona following talks with new Sevilla head coach Pablo Machin and has signed a five-year deal with the Blaugrana, which includes a €300m release clause.
Lenglet’s arrival will almost certainly force Yerry Mina to leave the club in search of regular first-team football, despite only joining the club in January.
The Colombia international has been heavily linked with a move to Everton and did his reputation no harm at the 2018 World Cup by scoring three goals in as many appearances.
No player managed more minutes for Sevilla than Lenglet in La Liga last season (3002), while the Frenchman also proved a threat in the opposition penalty area by netting three times.
Levante had 5 fewer goals than Sevilla with 44.
Sevilla tied for 12th by goals allowed with Levante. Levante had 4 fewer goals scored than Sevilla. Levante was 15th by 46 points earned falling well short of Sevilla's 58 points and 7th place somehow.
Sevilla allowed 58 goals in 38 matches in the Spanish league. Atletico Madrid allowed 22. Barcelona allowed 29. Valencia allowed 38. Sevilla was in 13th place by goals allowed in contrast to its 7th place finish by points earned.