the defender Samuel Umtiti terminated its contract with the Barcelona. The official announcement was made by the Catalan club this Friday. Club and player reached an agreement for the immediate termination of the bond, which would only end in 2026.
“FC Barcelona wishes to express its gratitude to Umtiti and wishes him all the luck and success in the future,” the club said in an official statement.
🤝 Agreement to sever ties with Samuel Umtiti
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 30, 2023
The defender arrived at Barcelona in 2016, coming from Lyon, and partnered with the Spaniard Gerard Piqué. With Barcelona, ​​Umtiti won seven titles. However, to be with France at the 2018 World Cup, he ended up with knee problems.
After being world champion, injuries started to haunt him and he was unable to regain his high level. Because of this and also his high salary, Barcelona had been trying, in recent years, to terminate his contract, sell him or even loan him out. The last option was the solution.
Umtiti played the Italian Championship in the last season and seems to have found itself again. He was loaned to Lecce, where he was on the field in 25 matches. The club ended the season in 16th place and managed to stay in Italy’s football elite for another year.
Now, the defender is free on the market. According to the Spanish newspaper Sportthe Frenchman may return to Lyon or even join an Italian football team.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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