Manchester United eyeing move for Samuel Umtiti
Manchester United need to strengthen their defense this summer.
Spanish source claim that Manchester United are eyeing move for Barcelona central defender Samuel Umtiti.
The 25-year-old has been subject to interest from various European clubs.
The France international joined Barcelona from Lyon for a fee in the region of 25 million euros in July 2016. His contract expires in the summer of 2023.
Umtiti has played 98 times for Barcelona since signing from Lyon, scoring two goals and creating one assist in that time.
The 25-year-old is considered to be one of the best central defenders in France.
The France international is believed to be available for transfer, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær now keen to bring him to Manchester United.
Solskjær is a long term admirer of Umtiti and believes he can get the most out of the France international.
Samuel Umtiti is a traditional defender. He is solid while defending and holds his position perfectly.
According to the Football Espana, “Manchester United have reopened their interest in signing Barcelona central defender Samuel Umtiti this summer. El Mundo Deportivo report the news on the front cover of their Thursday edition and say that the Red Devils have approached the Blaugrana regarding a transfer. The France international missed five months of last season with a knee injury but is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in world football. The Cameroon-born defender, who joined from Lyon in 2016, had formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Gerard Pique at the Camp Nou. However, his fitness issues saw Clement Lenglet take his place in the heart of defence and Umtiti was unable to break back into the team when he recovered from his injury. Barca are still pursuing a summer deal for Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt this summer – further fuelling suggestions that Umtiti could be about to make way.”
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Barcelona are reluctant to let Umtiti go, but a big enough bid could persuade them to sell.
A move away from Barcelona will not be only the best move for Samuel Umtiti, but also for the club.
How strong that interest is and whether Man United will make a move remains to be seen but it is certainly one worth keeping an eye on.
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