In a long-awaited resolution, Barcelona has reached an agreement with Samuel Umtiti to terminate the French centre-back’s contract with the club. After failed attempts in the past, this breakthrough comes as a significant boost for Barça, aiming to reduce their wage bill by shedding the player’s high salary. While the club couldn’t secure a transfer fee, Umtiti’s departure opens doors to his potential return to his roots, with negotiations underway for a possible reunion with Olympique Lyon as a free agent. Alternatively, Italian media suggests a move back to Serie A, where he showcased a resurgence of form during his stint with Lecce.
The confirmation of the contract termination was made by Barcelona themselves, expressing their gratitude to Umtiti and wishing him success in his future endeavors. The defender enjoyed a season largely free from injuries in Italy, reigniting his best performances on the field. Umtiti’s arrival at Barcelona in 2016 from Lyon marked the beginning of a prosperous period, where he formed an exceptional partnership with Gerard Piqué in the heart of the blaugrana defense. However, injuries hampered his progress, leading to a decreased presence on the field and ultimately his decision to seek more playing time in Italy.
Having contributed to two league titles and three cups during his time at Barcelona, Umtiti leaves the club with cherished memories while embarking on a new chapter in his career. The termination of his contract signifies the end of an era for both parties, with Umtiti bidding farewell to Camp Nou and the club expressing fondness for the defender’s contributions. As negotiations progress with potential suitors, Umtiti looks forward to embracing fresh challenges, while Barcelona continues its restructuring efforts, seeking to build a competitive team for the future.
Discover more from Barça Buzz
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
