He’s the most sought after defender in the world
Samuel Umtiti has been a revelation at Barcelona this season. Playing alongside Catalan veteran Gerard Piqué, he has ensured that Barcelona are still undefeated in La Liga, with only eight matches remaining.
The 24-year-old has slotted in at left centre-back seamlessly as a long-term replacement for Javier Mascherano who departed for the Chinese Super League this January.
It’s no surprise that he has attracted interest from Europe’s elite clubs, one of whom being Manchester United. He has confirmed to José Mourinho that he would consider a move to Old Trafford but warned him he faces competition to secure the defender’s signature.
“It’s not only Manchester United, other clubs want me as well, but my sole focus is on Barcelona”, Umtiti told Canal FC .
The Frenchman insisted he was content at Barça, but hinted at the possibility of a move away.
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“It was my dream to play at Barça. And I achieved it when I was just 22. I’m very happy here, whenever I play and whenever I train.
“Negotiations for a contract renewal have not started yet. My release clause is low, but that’s not what I worry about, I focus on the pitch.”
Every player in La Liga has a buyout clause, meaning that even if the club have no intention of selling a player, if a potential buyer meets the price stated in the player’s contract, it is completely up to the player as to whether they move.
It’s this stipulation that saw Neymar able to leave Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea have also been linked with Umtiti in recent months, and they will have the financial reserves to make a substantial offer.
But given Barça’s success this season, with a league and Champions League double still on the cards, it’s hard to imagine Umtiti forcing a move away.
