As the summer transfer window approaches, FC Barcelona look ahead to the future as they plan their transfer business accordingly. Apart from the many headlines such as those that concern Lionel Messi, Ilkay Gundogan, and other star players of the moment, there are those away from the spotlight also making their names be heard across the realms of Europe.
Barcelona loanee and French defender Samuel Umtiti has been enjoying a great season with Italian Serie A side Unione Sportiva Lecce, commonly referred to as simply Lecce, and has consequently seen an incline in his market value. Courtesy of his solid performances, the player has also been able to open up new possibilities for his future club, attracting the likes of Inter Milan as one of his suitors.
However, as per new reports by SPORT, it seems that Umtiti may no longer be at the top of Inter’s wish list at this moment in time. The Italian giants have reportedly shifted their primary priority to an English defender, currently playing in the Premier League for Fulham, by the name of Tosin Adarabioyo.
25 years old, born in Manchester, the 1.96m tall English defender has been gradually making a name for himself within the Premier League. Possessing great attributes such as speed, physicality, and a good passing range, the player becomes a great young prospect in comparison to an aging Samuel Umtiti.
With his contract running out in 2024 and his current market value as per Transfermarkt being that of €15 million, Inter could potentially negotiate a transfer for him on an even lower fee in regards to his expiring contract, which the player has decided not to renew.
While this development certainly may write off a potentially massive client for Umtiti, he still maintains the opportunities for other possible destinations. Despite a return to his parent club FC Barcelona being highly unlikely, interest from Lecce on extending his stay with them alongside interest from other clubs could prove to be a massive relief for both player and Barcelona, with the Catalan club preferring to offload him.
