According to a recent print edition of Mundo Deportivo (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Everton are among several clubs hoping to land Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti this summer. The same source has also stated that the Toffees have registered their interest in the French defender but could face stiff competition from West Ham United, Lyon, Marseille and Rennes when the transfer window reopens later this month.
Umtiti’s Lacklustre Season At Catalonia
The 26-year-old has endured a frustrating season at the Nou Camp after missing out on several matches over the past ten months due to a foot injury and a knee problem. He has participated in 18 games for Barca this term, picking up six yellow cards across all competitions.
However, Umtiti deserves a little bit of credit for averaging 0.8 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.4 clearances per game in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season. He has also been pretty accurate with his ball-distribution after completing 92.2% in league football so far (stats via whoscored).
The Yaounde-born talent has earned 31 senior caps for the French national team, registering four goals for his country in the process. If Umtiti can find a run of consistency with his performances next season, then he might have a decent shot of being named in Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps’ squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Will The French Defensive Ace Add To Carlo Ancelotti’s Side?
Umtiti can use his strength and power to win a lot of important aerial duels inside his penalty box and has outstanding defensive awareness to pull off some crucial interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his team. He is a composed defender who can pass the ball with ease and grace without committing too many mistakes at the back.
However, the jury is still out on whether the French centre-half can stay injury-free as he attempts to rediscover his old form in the upcoming campaign. He also packs a lot of power with his strikes which makes him a potent threat from long range.
Is Umtiti The Right Choice For The Toffees?
Umtiti ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Carlo Ancelotti demands from his centre-halves at Goodison Park. He has the skillset to form a productive defensive partnership with Michael Keane at the heart of the Everton defence. The French powerhouse will also increase competition for the likes of Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina at Merseyside in the coming seasons.
All in all, the Toffees will do well to lure Umtiti away from the Nou Camp as he seems like a decent choice for them to consider before the start of the new campaign. At 26, Umtiti has his peak years ahead of him which Ancelotti could look to benefit from over the next few seasons.
