Not all Barcelona loanees have had a lot of success with their loan spells abroad this season, but Samuel Umtiti is among the players that have managed to rediscover themselves.
Joining Lecce on a season-long loan deal last summer, the defender has enjoyed a fine season in Serie A. He has become a mainstay in the Lecce backline this term. His performances have not gone unnoticed either, with Inter Milan among the clubs considering a move.
However, according to a report from SPORT, Samuel Umtiti is open to a return to Barcelona if the club want him back. The player is aware of the fact that Barça are looking for a new defender in the summer. But if they find economic difficulties, he is willing to step in and become an option for coach Xavi Hernandez.
As part of their plans to sign a left-footed centre-back, Inigo Martinez is Barça’s top priority. The veteran defender is in advanced talks with the Catalan outfit, but the club are yet to confirm the deal due to their troubles with strict Financial Fair Play regulations in La Liga.
Barcelona’s idea in the summer is to sell Umtiti and Clement Lenglet and make room for Inigo Martinez. Umtiti, too, is aware of that and would only return if the club specifically ask for it.
If a return to Camp Nou is not possible, Umtiti is open to other options. However, a prolonged stay at Lecce will likely be ruled out as the Italian club will face economic difficulties to sustain the defender’s wages without the help of Barcelona.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see how things transpire over the coming weeks, as far as the future of Samuel Umtiti is concerned.
