According to reports a few days earlier, FC Barcelona have decided to load off the French center-back Samuel Umtiti as soon as possible. The Catalans have left out Umtiti from their future plans and offered the player to terminate his contract and leave. But the center-back has desires to stay and prove himself worthy to be named in the first-team sheet.
Barcelona are having a busy summer in the transfer window as they look to bring in new players and load off the unproductive ones. Currently, they have already signed three free agents Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero, and Memphis Depay. While they paid €9 million to land Emerson Loyal from Real Betis. However, as per reports they have not been able to register the players till now. That’s because La Liga imposing a €348 million salary cap over the Catalans.
While the club has still a sword hanging in their neck regarding Lionel Messi’s contract situation. Messi is a free agent as his contract with Barcelona expired in June. However, Joan Laporta has positive views regarding offering a new contract to the club legend. But the new contract can only be tabled after Barcelona cuts off a significant wage amount from their financial books.
The Catalans are working effectively regarding the financial situation, as they have already terminated Matheus Fernandes’ contract. While they have loaned Junior Firpo to Leeds United and Francisco Trincao to Wolves. But those loads off are not so effective, following which they decided to get their hands off Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic.
Barcelona wants to load off Umtiti, but he wants to stay next season
Samuel Umtiti signed for Barcelona back in 2016 from the Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais. Since his joining, he has appeared 132 times for the Catalans while scoring 2 goals in all competitions. However, Umtiti missed a significant amount of game time at Barcelona as he suffered frequent injuries.
The Frenchman was not a regular starter last season as he appeared only 16 times in all competitions. The first reason for his less appearance is his long-term knee injury. While the second reason is Koeman preferring Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza for the center-back position.
Following his replacement at the backline, Koeman and Barcelona have decided to cut Umtiti from their future plans. While the Catalans are also looking forward to getting rid of his €35 million wage bills. The club has already given permission to the Frenchman to tear his contract and leave this summer. But Umtiti didn’t consider the offer as he desires to stay at Barcelona next season. Umtiti is convinced he’ll be able to recover his best level and force his way back into Koeman’s team. He also doesn’t mind getting fewer minutes next season as is keen to remain at the club and fight for his place.
But Barcelona are desperate to show Umtiti the exit door this summer, if not permanently, then temporarily. The club has received some loan offers for the Frenchman from Italy and Frace. And Barcelona are trying hard to convince Umtiti to agree on the loan deals. However, the ball is in Umtiti court now and the final decision will be made only by the Frenchman.
