FC Barcelona defender Umtiti’s career trajectory has been a rather strange one. He arrived in Barcelona as one of the most promising defenders in Europe. In Barcelona, he developed further to clinch a spot in the starting 11. His partnership with Pique was one of the most deadly combinations. Yet his career went down under repetitive injuries after he refused to have surgery to play in the World Cup 2018 with France. After winning the World Cup, he returned as a lost spirit burdened with more injuries.
Barcelona has since then tried to offload him from the club. Early on in the summer, his move to Rennes fell through. However, Umtiti was successfully signed by Lecce on a season-long loan agreement. The Italian club even agreed to pay a portion of his salary.
FC Barcelona defender yet to play in Serie A
While Leece has had a promising start into the new season, Umtiti is stuck in a similar place. Umtiti has not played even a minute of football. He has, however, been in the matchday squad for each game. Although, given how rarely he has played over the last year and that he missed the first half of 2022 with an injury, it is natural that Lecce could be exercising care in throwing Umtiti into the thick of things. However, it is not the situation Umtiti might have imagined while leaving FC Barcelona.
Leece coach Marco Baroni has stated that Umitit still has to work. He needs to regain his fitness and prove his dedication to a starting spot.
Umtiti will now have to work hard and impress the manager for a start in Serie A. His transition from playing in FC Barcelona to playing in the Serie A might also be one of the reasons for his situation. The season is still a long way to go, and Umtiti might soon find himself playing for the Serie A newcomers.
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