As the current season is coming to its conclusion, FC Barcelona will have to sort out the future of players returning from loan. Among other players, Samuel Umtiti is also looking to get his future sorted in the upcoming summer transfer window.
After some tremendous seasons with FC Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti’s career had been wreaked by injuries since his appearance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. As the central defender suffered with knee injuries, his performances for the club became increasingly unreliable, and the club has been looking to offload him for a number of seasons now.
Last year, he went on loan to Lecce, and this loan has allowed the player to regain some of his world class form that he showed before his injuries. The player has made 23 appearances for the Italians, and has been one of the leaders in defence for the team. The club is also delighted with the player, and is trying to retain him for the upcoming season.
Thus, SPORT reports that Umtiti is clear that his association with FC Barcelona will come to an end this season. The Catalans are also satisfied with Umtiti’s performances, and are now expecting they will be able to get a small transfer fee for him, while the club was ready to let the player leave for free previously.
The report claims that there are several suitors vying for Umtiti’s services, but Lecce are currently leading the race, and is likely to present Barcelona with a bid to retain him. Other Italian clubs like Inter, Roma, and Milan, have also approached the player, while the player’s entourage is also listening to proposals from the Ligue 1.
Lecce believe retaining Umtiti is going to cost them €4 million. However, the club currently battling relegation, and would be able to sign Umtiti only if they are able to remain in Serie A for the upcoming season.
