Disappointment at Barcelona over the Samuel Umtiti case

Disappointment at Barcelona over the Samuel Umtiti case

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The French defender seemed poised to go to Rennes but they pulled out

Barcelona are disappointed after Rennes have pulled out of the signing of Samuel Umtiti. Negotiations were advanced with the French defender travelling to France and speaking to Bruno Genesio, the coach of the Ligue 1 side. However, doubts from others within the club over Umtiti’s physical condition and the chance to sign Brazilian defender Morato from Benfica mean they have pulled out of a deal.

The Catalans were sure it would happen and now have to look for a new destination for the defender they have spent years trying to rid themselves of.

In 2020 Roma were close but Umtiti refuse to leave. Other sides have tried but he kept his stance. Until now.

The problem started with the renewal that he signed with Barcelona ahead of the Russia World Cup, with negotiations led by his brother and agent Yannik Umtiti. With the threat of potentially leaving to Man United for his 60m euro release fee, Barcelona gave him a huge 16m euro annual salary, at the level of Iniesta and Luis Suarez.

Umtiti extended his Barcelona deal in January to help the club, moving down to less than 6m euros a year. Fiorentina still did not want to pay it, Rennes seemingly did, but they will have to start over now. 

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