Barcelona and Rennes in talks over Samuel Umtiti | OneFootball

Barcelona and Rennes are in talks over a loan deal for Samuel Umtiti, as reported by Marca.

Negotiations have intensified over the last few days as the player is due to join up with Barca for pre-season on 11 July. The defender wants to have the move in place before the 11th.

The problem with the transfer is Umtiti’s fee. The French club are not willing to pay the full amount and Barcelona are beginning to realise that they will have to pay part of the player’s salary even if he ends up playing in Ligue 1.

Talks began a few weeks ago and the sides are moving closer to a deal.

Rennes manager Bruno Genesio had the defender during his time at Lyon and is trying to push the deal through. He is aware of the problems Umtiti has had with his knee, but believes that he can bring a lot to his team.

“Umtiti is a player I know perfectly well. I trained him as a youth player and then in the Lyon first team. That creates a bond. You all know his history, his qualities, the setbacks he had last year, but he is still at a high level and we are interested in players of that level,” said Genesio.