Samuel Umtiti wants to stay and fight for his place at Barça
The French defender doesn't want to leave and is fully focused on recovering from his knee injury
Samuel Umtiti doesn't want to leave FC Barcelona. The French centre back heard the rumours about being 'up for sale' this summer but Umtiti, who is under contract until 2023, isn't ready to give up.
The importance of Umtiti has diminished over recent seasons, mainly due to injuries. After arriving from Lyon, Umtiti broke into the first team and was sensational in his initial season. He looked like the missing piece to Barça's defence and offered much-needed stability. However, injury problems - in particular his knee - have seen him go from untouchable to not needed.
Umtiti isn't ready to give up his place without a fight and is working hard to prove his fitness. The centre back is very happy in Barcelona and has even begun projects, thinking this would be where he retired.
Despite Umtiti's desire to stay, Barça are ready to cash in. The most recent knee issue, when the defender went against the club's medical advice, appears to be where the relationship broke down. If no one is willing to pay for Umtiti, then Barça aren't opposed to sending him out on loan.
It's no secret that Barça want to replace Umtiti with Eric Garcia. Alongside Ronald Araujo, they would make up the quartet of defenders alongside Pique and Lenglet.
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