Umtiti wants a team in European competition if he is to leave Barcelona
The defender is open to a Camp Nou exit but only for the right offer
Barça coach Xavi Hernandez has told him he is not in his plans
Despite not featuring in coach Xavi Hernandez's plans and only playing 90 minutes once this past season, Samuel Umtiti signed a new contract at Barcelona in January until 2026.
By doing so, it helped the club register Ferran Torres to play in LaLiga. Umtiti agreed to have what remained to be paid to him spread out over a longer length of time -- that could also make it easier to find an exit this summer.
However, there has still been no progress in terms of a departure. He's not in Xavi's plans. He knows that and is ready to leave, but not for anywhere.
There is interest from teams across Europe, but most of them are mid-to-low table sides. And Umtiti wants a team involved in European football, preferably the Champions League.
For that reason, so far, he has not taken up any of the offers that have arrived and is waiting.
INJURIES
Barça believe he will finally leave this summer, although it won't be imminent and it won't be easy. He has hardly played since the 2018 World Cup due to injuries.
Ninety minutes this past season, 15 games the previous season, 18 in 2019-20 and 15 in 2018-19. In total, 49 games across four seasons -- many not as a starter.
Barça hope that as the market progresses, if no other offers arrive, Umtiti will accept an offer from a team not involved in European football, with the knowledge that he will not play under Xavi.
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