The Catalans had hoped to loan him out for the rest of the season
Samuel Umtiti’s injury is a problem for Barcelona in the winter transfer window. He’s suffered a foot fracture that needs surgery and will be out for three months, so virtually the rest of the season. That’s not a problem for Barcelona’s first team, per se, but it means that no clubs will want to take him out on loan. One of the other benefits of changing his deal was that he was accessible for sides to loan.
Xavi wants Alvaro Morata up front and one of the routes towards affording him was loaning out Umtiti, especially after Ousmane Dembele has not agreed to sign a new deal.