Samuel Umtiti, sacked or loaned, the end is near

Samuel Umtiti, sacked or loaned, the end is near

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The French defender will be leaving Barcelona this summer after years on the sidelines

Samuel Umtiti will leave Barcelona this summer. The defender knows he will get no more chances in the team and is looking at new destinations.

The player’s people are working out whether it would be better to be loaned out and get Barcelona to pay part of his salary, or be sacked bu the club. Umtiti has some offers and is trying to work out what is best.

Barcelona want the Umtiti situation solved by pre-season. Xavi wants the squad lightened by July 4 so he does not have to work with players who are not part of the squad. Barcelona have told Umtiti they will help him where they can but the objective is to save a good part of his salary. Umtiti has some interest in Turkish football but he would prefer to go to France and his former side Olympique Lyon. It’s the club where he formed and where some of his team-mates like Lacazette will return. Lyon are studying a deal, while Nice are also interested.

Lyon’s operation would be a loan, while Nice is possible if his contract at Barcelona is rescinded. 

That Umtiti extended his deal until 2026 in January, spreading out the rest of his cash, makes his departure this summer easier.

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