Among all the players who were loaned out by Barcelona last summer, Samuel Umtiti has emerged as one of the successive ones so far.
Joining Lecce on a season-long loan deal in the summer, Umtiti has rejuvenated himself at the club. Showing excellent discipline, leadership and experience, the Barcelona star has become a first-team regular for Lecce this season.
But as MARCA reports, Barcelona will not welcome Umtiti back to Camp Nou despite his strong showing in Serie A. It is hardly surprising either as Barcelona have enough cover in the defensive positions, especially after the success of Andreas Christensen.
Although Gerard Pique’s retirement has prompted Barcelona to go after Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, it is unlikely Barcelona would be open to signing anyone else.
The Catalans are not willing to pay for Umtiti’s salary either. They do prefer that the defender remains at Lecce, but this time around, the Serie A outfit will have to bear the player’s full salary. It is unlikely Lecce will be able to do so, given the club’s limited finances.
Barcelona, therefore, are hoping Umtiti attracts other suitors, who are also willing to pay his salary. Inter Milan, for one, have been credited with an interest in the Frenchman this year, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will follow it up with an offer.
Umtiti is not the only player likely to be offloaded by Barcelona this summer, with the club reportedly hoping to sanction the sale of Clement Lenglet, along with Sergino Dest, in their bid to balance the books ahead of the new season.
Unlike the potential sales of Lenglet and even Dest, Barça are unlikely to earn much of a fortune from the exit of Umtiti. But it will, nevertheless, bring the Catalans one step closer in helping avoid FFP sanctions.
