LATEST NEWS: Aston Villa has undergone a significant change of heart regarding their Barcelona loanee.

For the first half of the season, Clement Lenglet’s loan from FC Barcelona to Aston Villa seemed like a failed move for all parties involved. Despite making appearances in the UEFA Conference League, the Frenchman didn’t play a single minute in the Premier League during this period.

However, things started to change for the better as he seized the opportunities that came with the injury to the starting Villa center-back, Pau Torres. Lenglet began to start several games in Torres’s absence. However, with Torres now back from his injury, there were concerns that Lenglet would once again fade into oblivion in England.

Contrary to expectations, Emery has continued to place his trust in the Barcelona loanee, who has started the last two games alongside Torres. In fact, SPORT reports that Aston Villa are now warming up to the idea of signing him permanently this summer. This is a significant shift from their stance in November when they had considered returning him after only half a season.

At that time, it was Unai Emery who intervened to prevent Lenglet’s return to Barcelona in January, publicly expressing his belief that the Frenchman could contribute later in the season.

Barcelona has been attempting to offload the center-back for some time, and he also spent the previous year on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

Lenglet was loaned to Aston Villa as an emergency option last summer after his permanent move to Spurs fell through. However, his Aston Villa contract does not include a purchase option.

Therefore, the Premier League side will need to decide whether to negotiate with Barcelona for his purchase. However, they may face competition from other clubs for his signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.

AC Milan was among the clubs that expressed interest in acquiring the 28-year-old defender on loan when there were reports of his loan spell at Aston Villa ending prematurely. The Italian club could renew their interest in securing his services in the summer, thereby increasing the competition for Aston Villa to sign him permanently.