EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Umtiti is very close to signing for Leece

Umtiti

Samuel Umtiti is a lost player now. He was once regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. For a long time, Barcelona have been trying to offload Umtiti. He was deemed to be the heir to Barcelona‘s defence but injuries hindered his career so much. This recalls the 2018 WC where Umtiti was crucial to France lifting the trophy under Deschamps. But playing with a knee injury affected his career at Barcelona massively. Fitness problems and his knee issues just made him nothing but a bench warmer at the club.

Sooner or later, it was realized that Umtiti is nothing but just a wage earner at the club. The 28-year-old fell out of favor at Barcelona and was told to find a new club immediately. But the Frenchman was adamant to stay at the club and was not willing to relocate. But now it finally seems that Umtiti will be gone for the season. Serie A side Leece have come in with a loan offer for Samuel for 1 year. Barcelona have agreed to all demands of Leece which includes paying his full salary.

But Leece are said to have serious doubts over signing him, given his knee injury concerns. In that case, Barcelona will have serious problems registering Jules Kounde and other potential signings. The new signing has missed out on the first 2 games for Barcelona with the number of maximum players already registered. Barcelona are still working on the departure of players like Depay, Aubameyang, Umtiti, and Dest. This will allow registration of Kounde and possible new signings easy.

Barcelona owes massive money to Umtiti

As per reports, Barcelona owes Samuel Umtiti a massive €52 million according to his current contract with the club. His contract was over in 2023 but Barcelona renewed it until 2026 under fresh terms to register Ferran Torres in January. Barcelona owed him €57 million before the extension. After the extension, these wages were spread until 2026. Of the €52 million, €40 million are fixed, and the remaining €12 million are variables.

So getting rid of Umtiti is something the club is looking to do as soon as possible. But Umtiti has not agreed on terms with any other club. Leece, Lyon, and Nice were all interested in signing him but failed to. Barcelona even considered terminating Umtiti’s contract but the deferred wages are too much to do anything.

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