Benfica Confirm Lenglet Capture
SL Benfica have officially announced the signing of French defender Clément Lenglet from Atlético Madrid. The 30-year-old centre-back joins the Portuguese giants on a loan arrangement that runs until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. The deal includes a mandatory extension clause that will bind the player to the Lisbon club until 2029, representing a significant long-term commitment from the Eagles.
Atlético Departure
Lenglet’s exit from the Spanish capital follows a brief stint with the Colchoneros. Diego Simeone initially brought the defender to the Metropolitano from FC Barcelona during the summer of 2024, completing a free transfer to secure his services. Across the 2025-26 campaign, Lenglet featured in 24 matches in all competitions, starting 21 of those encounters. Despite his involvement, he ultimately found himself surplus to requirements under the Argentine manager, prompting this move to Portugal.
European Pedigree for Lisbon
The transfer to the Estádio da Luz positions Lenglet as the immediate successor to Nicolás Otamendi. The 38-year-old Argentine recently departed for Boca Juniors, creating a vacancy in central defence that Benfica have now filled with a player boasting substantial continental experience.
Lenglet arrives with 60 Champions League appearances accumulated throughout his career, offering the Portuguese side valuable know-how at the highest level of European competition. The Beauvais native has also represented France on 16 occasions, finding the net once for the national team.
This transfer marks the fifth league of Lenglet’s professional career. Having previously featured in Ligue 2, Ligue 1, the Premier League, and La Liga, the 30-year-old now adds the Primeira Liga to his domestic CV. Having initially joined Atlético on loan from Barcelona before Simeone made that move permanent on a free basis, Lenglet now embarks on a fresh chapter in Lisbon. His arrival provides Benfica with an established, internationally tested option at the back as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming campaign.