Barça's Umtiti could have test of fire in Lecce debut against Roma
The defender has not yet played in Italy but could debut this weekend
Samuel Umtiti signed for Lecce during the month of August and arrived in Italy amidst great anticipation, but he still hasn't played a single minute of football. Everything indicates that Lecce will line him up this weekend against Roma in a three-man defense to check his condition. The Frenchman could be playing for his future as it will be a real test. Lecce assure that he is fine and has not played due to a lack of match fitness and rhythm, but there is a lot of uncertainty and the Italian club wants to know if his performance can be optimal.
It was difficult for Umtiti to leave Barça this summer due to the lack of offers. Many clubs asked that he undergo tests to check his condition, but both Barça and the player refused. Finally, a strange transfer agreement was reached, whereby Barça paid the entire salary, although Lecce will pay some money as the he plays matches. For now, he has not played, so Barça have had to pay his entire wage.
The coach of Lecce, Marco Baroni, has been reassuring those around the club by assuring that Umtiti is in his plans and that he is in a period of adaptation. He has been called up but he has never played. The trial by fire will be against Mourinho's Roma and we will have to see how Umtiti does. What is clear to Barça is that Umtiti will end the season in Italy and there are no plans to return or a new loan in January because there are no open avenues for it either.