Lenglet Leaves Atletico and Joins Benfica

Clement Lenglet has officially left Atletico Madrid to join Benfica, on a season-long loan deal that will become permanent. Lenglet's contract at Atletico is actually valid until 2028, but he is now starting a new adventure in Portugal with a three-year contract at Benfica. It is understood that Benfica will not pay a transfer fee for the defender once the loan period ends.

Across two seasons at Atletico, Lenglet has made 60 appearances, helping the team reach the Copa del Rey final in the 2025-26 season, although they failed to win the trophy after losing to Real Sociedad.

"I am very proud to be here. A big city, a big club," said the French player in the club's official statement. "I'm very enthusiastic about the challenge ahead, playing for a club like this. I'm really looking forward to getting started now. This looks like a very good project for my career. This is a club that competes for everything, that is competitive for titles at home, but also abroad. And that's what I want. That's why I decided to come here."

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid also lost Antoine Griezmann who has joined MLS club Orlando City, and Julian Alvarez could be the next big player to leave following Barcelona's interest in him. However, Atletico have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Alejandro Grimaldo.