Samuel Umtiti gave Los Cules a sigh of relief as he reveals himself as the happiest man in the world playing for Barcelona
Barcelona took a huge step forward towards clinching the La Liga trophy as they beat second-placed Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou last weekend. Messi scored a free-kick in the 26th minute which ended up as the solitary goal of the game. Barca now has a substantial 8 point lead at the summit of La Liga. The Catalans are on course to completing an unprecedented invincible season. However, this did not mean that rumours linking several Barca players to the exit door shut down.
Several reports in Spain and England claim that centre-back Samuel Umtiti is being targeted by Manchester United. With an agreement yet to be reached between the club and the player on a new deal, he could be available for as little as €60 million in the summer.
Duncan Castles, renowned English journalist, claimed that Barcelona is unwilling to match Umtiti’s demands. This has, in turn, resulted in the contract stalling considerably.
Barcelona stall on meeting Samuel Umtiti's financial demands. Manchester United ready to match them. #FCB #MUFC #FRAhttps://t.co/D3JwMaun6F pic.twitter.com/tz2ZE6yyuy
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) March 6, 2018
At the same time, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that the 24-year-old intends on signing a new deal. They claim that Umtiti talked to beIN Sports after the weekend’s win revealing how happy and fortunate he is to be playing for Barca with the best players in the world.
Of course, United are not the only club monitoring Umtiti’s dicey contract situation. Chelsea is also huge admirers of the Frenchman. Should he become available, expect Chelsea to compete with United for the player’s signatures.
Umtiti has developed into a brilliant centre-back alongside Pique but will he stay at the Camp Nou beyond this season?
Author’s Take
If the report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed than Barca fans have nothing to fear. Umtiti has been a rock at the back for the Blaugrana. The team will be undoubtedly be weakened should he decide to leave. Meanwhile, Mourinho will do all he can to bring in Umtiti as soon as possible. He is young, cheap and has proven himself at the top level. Barca must do all they can to keep hold of their star defender.
