Clement Lenglet tipped to sign full-time at Aston Villa despite Villa Park development
Aston Villa loanee Clement Lenglet could still make his move to Villa Park permanent despite the fact Tyrone Mings is nearing a return from injury, according to Alan Hutton.
The Frenchman joined the ranks at Villa Park late in the summer transfer window as Emery moved quickly to strengthen his options when Mings’ season was brought to a premature end through injury in the opening day defeat to Newcastle.
After a slow start to the campaign, the Barcelona loanee became a regular fixture in Villa’s starting XI at the start of 2024 before dropping out of the picture again in recent weeks having been an unused substitute in the Villans’ last five games.
While Hutton believes Emery could still opt to sign the 28-year-old permanently in the summer transfer window, he thinks Mings’ return and a potential lack of game time could end his hopes of a move to Villa Park
“I think there’s still the possibility there,” Hutton told Villa News.
“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.”
Will Clement Lenglet complete permanent transfer from Barcelona to Aston Villa this summer?
When everybody is fit and available, Emery is blessed with plenty of defensive depth at Villa Park, but consistent injuries this season have ensured that the Spaniard has been down to his bare bones for much of the campaign.
While Mings has only featured once, all of Konsa, Carlos and Torres have missed portions of the campaign, leaving room for Lenglet to force his way into contention. With Mings back in action, however, that door could now be slammed shut.
With only a handful of Premier League games to be played between now and the end of the season, time is running out for the Barcelona loanee to show Emery he warrants a permanent transfer this summer.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but it seems increasingly unlikely supporters will see the Frenchman in claret and blue come the start of next season.
In other Aston Villa news, Bayern Munich still want to sign Emery despite a brand new contract updater at Villa Park
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.