Injury-blighted Umtiti finally leaves Barcelona for Lecce on loan
French defender Samuel Umtiti on Thursday completed a season-long loan move to Italian Serie A side Lecce after being told by Barcelona coach Xavi that he was no longer in the club’s plans.
Several clubs came in for the once-highly rated centre-back, including Girona, Stade Rennes and Greek giants Olympiacos, but he ultimately chose to switch to Italy.
A statement on Barcelona’s website read, “Barcelona and Lecce of Serie A have reached an agreement on the loan of defender Samuel Umtiti until June 30, 2023.”
“Lecce won Italy’s Serie B last season and are now back playing at the highest level of Italian football.”
Barcelona have agreed to pay half of his salary for the duration of the loan, and the deal does not include a buy option for Lecce.
Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016 from Olympique Lyonnais and enjoyed a fantastic start to his time at the club, playing a crucial role in helping France win the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
His performances at Camp Nou have however been blighted by nagging injuries and poor form, pushing to the back seat in the club’s reckoning.
To play at the 2018 World Cup, the Frenchman chose not to undergo surgery on a troublesome knee and has struggled to regain form and fitness.
He has made 133 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, winning six trophies, including two La Liga titles.
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