2018 World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti had his contract with FC Barcelona prematurely terminated on mutual consent, as reported on Friday.
The 29-year-old joined the Blaugranas from Olympique Lyon in 2016 for a fee of around €25 million; however, injuries plagued his time in Catalonia. Umtiti spent the 2022-23 season on loan with Serie A side Lecce. He would make just 133 appearances for the club over seven years, with his last being his only appearance in the 2021/22 campaign.
Now, it appears that the player and the club have come to mutual consent to have the contract terminated, which would otherwise be valid until June 2026.
Why Barcelona terminated Samuel Umtiti’s contract
Umtiti’s history of injuries is seen as a major factor in the decision to part ways between the two parties. His career was derailed by a serious knee injury, but he returned to regular playing time with Lecce last season.
An official statement released by FC Barcelona states:
“Umtiti has enjoyed an injury-free season in Italy, where he seems to have rediscovered his best level in every regard. After a stop-start final period at Barça, frustrated by a series of fitness issues, he has played 25 games for Lecce.
“He came to Barcelona in 2016 from Olympique Lyon, where he had spent his whole career until then. In his finest years, he and Gerard Piqué formed a fabulous pairing in the middle of the Blaugrana defense and were both automatic starters.
“After becoming a world champion with France in 2018, injuries started to interrupt his wonderful progress. He was no longer such a regular feature on the field, and he eventually left for Italy to get more game time.
“With two league titles and three cups, Samuel Umtiti is now severing ties completely with Barça, but will be taking away memories as fond as those that the club will have of him.”
Samuel Umtiti’s potential next destination
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, Inter Milan has been offered the services of Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti for the upcoming summer transfer window. Even though Inter are looking to add a defender this summer, they do not appear to be interested in the 2018 World Cup-winning defender.
Another report suggests that Greek giants Olympiakos are reportedly interested in the Frenchman; however, they are only interested in a loan spell. With Umtiti’s contract prematurely terminated, the club can sign him as a free agent.
Earlier this month, it was reported that he was close to signing a loan deal with Ligue 1 club Rennes, which would have brought him back to France. He has also been linked with a potential return to his former club Olympique Lyon.
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