Clement Lenglet has left Atletico Madrid for Benfica, joining on loan for his first season before his contract becomes permanent.

Lenglet’s Atletico contract was due to run out in 2028, but he has now made the switch to Benfica on a three-year deal.

Benfica will reportedly not pay a transfer fee for the defender upon the completion of the initial loan spell.

He made 60 appearances in total for Atletico, helping them reach the Copa del Rey final in 2025-26, though they missed out on the trophy to Real Sociedad.

Clément Lenglet to join @SLBenfica.

The French defender, who played 60 matches over two seasons for Atleti, starts a new chapter in Portuguese football.

https://t.co/y6ZOQo8f6k pic.twitter.com/y1vRbO2uSM

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) June 30, 2026

“I’m very proud to be here. A big city, a huge club,” the Frenchman told the club’s media channels.

“I’m very eager to embrace the challenge ahead of me, to play for a club like this. I’m really looking forward to starting now.

“It seemed like a very good project for my career. It’s a club that competes for everything, that competes to win titles in the country, but also abroad. And that’s what I want. That’s why I decided to come here.”

Antoine Griezmann has already left Atletico this summer, joining MLS side Orlando City, while Julian Alvarez could be another big-name departure following his claims that he wanted to “fulfil his dream” amid Barcelona’s interest.

Atletico have bolstered their ranks, however, with the arrival of Alejandro Grimaldo.