Barcelona may have found definitive Samuel Umtiti solution

Samuel Umtiti is no longer a problem for Barça. The French centre-back is finding his feet again at Lecce and his performance is now unquestionable, especially after the World Cup in Qatar. The French player seems recovered and full of energy and Lecce would like to count on his services next season although their resources are scarce and a deal must be reached. Umtiti knows that he will not remain at Barça and will listen to offers but he is very grateful to Lecce for their commitment and feels comfortable at the Italian club.

It was a risky decision by all parties, but it has worked out well. Barça decided to give Umtiti to Lecce for free, paying the full amount of his wage but deducting his salary according to his participation with the Italian team. It didn't start well as Umtiti, after some time without playing, found it hard to get into the right rhythm but now he is going from strength to strength. So much so that he has established himself as a starter, which is why Lecce will have to pay part of his salary this season. 

The loan was on very advantageous terms for the Italians and the future is now uncertain, but the reality is that Lecce would like to continue to have Umtiti, as they consider it a luxury to have the Frenchman in their ranks. And Barça would like to settle his contract and save most of his salary. In the coming months, three-way talks will begin, although the Frenchman is open to offers and there are already teams in Ligue 1 who are interested. In Italy his performance is also surprising and more than one club could be knocking on his door.

Barça are keeping their fingers crossed and hope that the Frenchman's performance continues to increase and that there are no physical problems between now and the end of the season. The idea is to terminate his contract during the summer and save on his agreed salary until 2026, a salary that is now more affordable after the renewal agreement reached with the Frenchman. Umtiti then agreed to spread his salary over more seasons without charging a euro more, so it is likely that there could be an agreement in the coming months. Both Umtiti and his entourage know that he is not part of Barça's future plans, so they are already considering a future move, with Lecce as a firm option.