In a recent report, Sport has revealed that Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for Samuel Umtiti. It is understood that the Catalans will be happy to get him back after his injury layoff but are hoping to cash in on him nonetheless and also get his salary off their wage bill at the Nou Camp (via Sport).
Umtiti’s Injury Frustrations At Catalonia
The French centre-back is yet to feature for Barca this season as he is still recovering from a knee injury. Umtiti made 18 appearances for his current employers last season and received six yellow cards in the process across various competitions.
The Yaounde-born talent ended the previous campaign averaging 0.8 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per game in La Liga. He was also excellent with his ball-distribution out from the back after completing 92.2% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top-flight (stats via whoscored).
However, Umtiti is not a guaranteed starter at the Nou Camp anymore as he has fallen behind the likes of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Ronald Araújo in Ronald Koeman’s pecking order. Therefore, it is logical for him to seek a move elsewhere so that he can earn more game time in the coming seasons.
What Does The French International Offer On The Pitch?
Umtiti is a physically strong centre-half who usually wins his fair share of aerial duels by outmuscling the opposition inside his penalty box. He has a great leap in him and possesses outstanding defensive awareness which helps him clear the danger when required.
However, the 31-time French international is not the quickest of defenders which can sometimes make him a liability on the field. At 27, he might still have a lot to offer, but there is no denying that his recent injury record has been a significant cause for concern amongst the Barca supporters.
Should The Catalan Outfit Part Ways With Umtiti?
The Covid-19 crisis has taken a massive toll on Barca’s finances which has left the club with no choice but to consider cashing in on some of their fringe players like Umtiti next summer. Unless the Frenchman can hit the ground running upon his return and establish himself as a regular member of Koeman’s first-team, it is difficult to see why Barca’s stance would change about entertaining offers for him in the future.
With all things considered, Koeman should either give Umtiti another shot to prove his worth at the Nou Camp or else let him go when the transfer window reopens this winter. It is only fair that the Frenchman is allowed to seal a move to a foreign club so that both the player and the Catalan club can move on in search of greener pastures.
