While not all of the loan deals of FC Barcelona last season went exactly as planned, one of the more successful of these loans was that of Samuel Umtiti. The loan of the Frenchman to Lecce allowed Barcelona to get rid of a part of his wages, but now this loan is likely to translate into longer-term benefits for the Catalan club as well.
After two brilliant seasons with FC Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti made an unwise choice regarding recovery from one of his injuries to ensure his participation in the 2018 World Cup and has been paying the price for this choice for the last few years.
The center-back was relegated to the bench at Barcelona in seasons after the World Cup, and the club has been looking to offload the player with his high wages ever since.
However, as Umtiti’s fragile physical condition was known to every club, there were no suitors for the defender. It was only last year that Lecce decided to take the risk with him, and this risk has paid off for them as Umtiti played a significant part in helping the Italian club avoid relegation this season.
Barcelona themselves have benefited from Umtiti’s recovery of form as they are now finding more suitors for the Frenchman. Olympique Lyonnais and Inter Milan were previously reported to be interested in the center-back, but there has been another opportunity for the player in the last few days.
As reported by SPORT, this opportunity lies in the Middle East, as a club from Saudi Arabia want to present an offer to Umtiti this summer. Umtiti himself is currently thinking about his response to the offer.
If such a transfer does materialize, it would be good news for FC Barcelona as they would no longer have to pay any wages to the defender.
The club has been in a difficult financial position for several years now, and Umtiti’s wages were a significant source of strain on the club’s funds. His contract with Barcelona runs up to 2026, and the club would be more than happy if the player could join another side this summer and help the Catalans get rid of his high wages.
