Barcelona could be close to bidding goodbye to out-of-favour defender Samuel Umtiti, who is on his way to Italian minnows, Lecce.
Barça have been trying hard to offload the French international for a while now but were unable to find suitors for him for the longest time, due to his wages and injury history. A move to Rennes was touted but fell through for unknown reasons.
A return to Umtiti’s former club Olympique Lyon had also been talked about, but as things stand, the 28-year-old could instead be on his way to Italy as a move to Lecce is getting nearer and nearer.
Indeed, Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that Lecce and Barcelona are in the final phase of negotiations over a deal for Umtiti and are working out the details of the bonus payments that the Catalans will be owed.
As per the terms of the agreement, Barça would be covering the entirety of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner’s €20 million gross salary. But they will be owed bonus payments from Lecce should the defender make a fixed number of appearances.
Should the discussions go well, Umtiti could fly out to Italy for his medicals as early as Wednesday. While the Catalans would still be paying his wages, it will still be a good move for all parties involved.
Umtiti’s career has stalled for years now and a move to Italy, away from the limelight might be exactly what he needs to get back into rhythm.
Signed from Lyon in 2016, the 28-year-old enjoyed a couple of fine seasons at Barcelona before things started going downhill for him. He played just one game throughout the last season and will be gunning to get back to playing regularly.
The post Barcelona misfit could undergo medicals at Serie A club on Wednesday appeared first on Barca Universal.
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