Barcelona star Smauel Umtiti is reportedly unhappy with his continued substitute role at Camp Nou and has made it no secret with his teammates.
The Frenchman has been in the news constantly lately due to his future at Barca being up in the air since his drop from the starting XI. According to Sport, though Umtiti prefers not to depart Catalonia, he is ready to search for worthwhile jobs elsewhere if he stays out of favour. It’s no surprise that a World Cup winner is unhappy about a role that primarily involves waiting on the bench.
Since a knee injury took the defender out of action for a significant period of time, he hasn’t earned his place back. Clement Lenglet managed to capitalise on his colleague’s absence as has now established himself as the starting centre-back at the club. Moreover, boss Ernesto Valverde also seems to prefer Lenglet over Umtiti.
Nevertheless, it’s not as if the French international is lacking suitors as Arsenal and Manchester United are two elites who have established themselves as competitors for his signature. Both clubs are undergoing a long-term defensive crisis, so it makes sense that a world-class centre-back is a priorty.
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On the other hand, the Catalans themselves are ready to offload their star defender as they aim to secure Ajax prospect Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman has been linked to the Spanish giants frequently since his rise as one of the world’s best young centre-half, and apparently the Cules could focus on securing the youngster’s services and show the World Cup winner the exit door. Especially, since the latter’s conduct has been questionable recently.
Arsenal ‘open talks’ with Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti over shock summer transfer https://t.co/IFLpcNH95x
— Sun Sport (@SunSport) March 28, 2019
If recent whispers are to be believed, Umtiti refused to undergo surgery following his knee injury. Though he finally realised there was hardly any other option and agreed to undergo the procedure, his behaviour seems to have struck the nerves of his higher-ups.
The former Lyon star is currently valued at £77 million, making him the most expensive No. 4 in the world according to his transfer value. A deal away from Spain almost guarantees the breaking of another transfer record. However, would the English sides be ready to match is apparent value?
