Everton linked with surprise move for Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti

The defensive department of the Everton squad needs quality additions this winter.

According to the football transfer rumours in British and Spanish media, Everton are linked with surprise move for Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti.

The 27-year-old has been subject to interest from various European clubs.

The France international was signed by Barcelona in July 2016 from Lyon for a fee of 25 million euros. The 27-year-old has a contract until 2023 with the club.

In 116 appearances for Barcelona, Umtiti has managed to score two goals, and create one goal for his teammates.

The centre-back has also represented the France at various youth levels before going on to secure 31 senior caps for his country thus far.

Samuel Umtiti is one of the more likely players to be offloaded by Barcelona this winter and the list of suitors in the France international continues to grow.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking to shore up his defensive options and Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti happens to be a target. He is a firm fan of Barcelona centre-back and Everton could make a move for the player if the financial aspect makes sense.

The Toffees are in the market for just a handful of statement signings who can improve the first-team.

Umtiti is often quick to scan the danger and is not shy of getting stuck in with some well-timed tackles to help secure possession back for his side. He has the quality and the experience to make an immediate impact.

According to the report, “Everton are eyeing Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. Mundo Deportivo says the Nou Camp giants would be willing to enter talks with Everton over a move to get Umtiti’s wages of the books. The Spanish publication adds Barcelona could cut their 12m euro (£10.7m) asking price to get a deal over the line. The 27-year-old is mooted to earn around £75,000-a-week at Barcelona. Umtiti has struggled in recent seasons to maintain his fitness on a regular basis due to persistent knee issues but for manager Carlo Ancelotti, he could be an intriguing gamble for his Goodison Park rebuild.”

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If Everton can agree on a fee with Barcelona, the deal should be easy to complete.

The report claims that the Spanish side could look to sanction his sale due to a financial crisis.

A move away from Barcelona will not be only the best move for Umtiti, but also for the club.

Samuel Umtiti ideal fit for Everton?

The 27-year-old is certainly a player that would strengthen the current Everton squad and would be a good buy in the winter transfer window.

Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Everton.

It will be interesting to see whether Everton will make their move during the winter transfer window.

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Should Everton sign Samuel Umtiti?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.