Manchester City weighing up a swoop for Barcelona star
According to a report from Spanish publication Marca, Manchester City have registered their interest in signing Barcelona’s out-of-favor defender Samuel Umtiti.
Samuel Umtiti, 27, who arrived at Barcelona from Lyon back in 2016, was once regarded as one of the best center-backs in world football. However, after an impressive debut season at Camp Nou, the Frenchman’s stock has significantly fallen due to recurring injury problems and poor form.
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The French World Cup winner has failed to cement his place in Barcelona’s starting XI over the last couple of seasons, managing only 34 appearances combined in all formats.
Barcelona find themselves in financial trouble due to a combination of ridiculous mismanagement and the COVID-19 problems.
They must offload players to register Lionel Messi or new signings, whilst making significant savings to meet La Liga’s rules and regulations.
Samuel Umtiti is among the host of players the Catalan giants are willing to cut ties with as they look to trim their wage bill this summer.
The center-back has little to no chance of becoming a regular starter at the club again, especially with new signing Eric Garcia expected to walk straight into Ronald Koeman’s starting XI after the Olympic games.
Interestingly, the France international has been linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues. With just over a month left for the transfer window to slam shut, Pep Guardiola needs to hurry up and bring reinforcements at Manchester City.
Marca claims Pep Guardiola is looking to add another center-back to his defensive ranks and is in the hunt for a ‘low-cost’ option. In Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Aymeric Laporte, City are blessed with top internationals with solid experience at the center-back position.
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However, with the Cityzens having already lost Eric Garcia on a free transfer and Laporte linked with an exit, Guardiola could do well by signing a center-half. City’s rumoured interest in Umtiti, though, is very surprising, given the player’s injury and fitness problems over the last couple of years.
While Umtiti has looked in good shape in the friendlies against Gimnastic and Girona, starting both the games before going off at half-time, it remains to be seen if Guardiola and Manchester City are prepared to take a gamble on the Frenchman.