Benfica presents Clément Lenglet as Otamendi's successor

Benfica has presented Clément Lenglet as their new central defender. Lenglet made the switch from Atlético Madrid to the Portuguese top club this week on a rental basis until June 2027, with a mandatory purchase option agreed for next summer. As soon as the deal becomes final, the 31-year-old Frenchman will sign a two-year contract with the Lisbon club until mid-2029.

Lenglet is brought in as a direct replacement for Nicolás Otamendi, who leaves the selection. What is striking about this construction is that Benfica does not pay a direct transfer fee; Atlético Madrid will instead receive a percentage of any resale. For Atlético, Lenglet's departure means relief in the area of ​​salary house, an important step to meet the requirements of financial fair play. The French defender was no longer included in coach Diego Simeone's plans at Atlético.

Benfica's technical management, led by Marco Silva, saw Lenglet as the ideal reinforcement for the defense. Lenglet himself indicated that he was convinced of the sporting project of the Portuguese and consciously chose not to respond to offers from Saudi Arabia.

Atlético Madrid said goodbye to Lenglet in an official message. The club thanked him for his efforts in two seasons, in which he made sixty appearances, three goals and three assists. Atlético wishes him success in his new challenge in Portuguese football.