French defender finally set to leave Barcelona, destination Serie A or Ligue 1 | OneFootball

In what would be a major relief for Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti is finally set to bid goodbye to the club this summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old has been at the club since 2016 when he signed from Olympique Lyon. However, after a couple of solid seasons upon arrival, the Frenchman has regressed drastically due to unending injury woes.

Indeed, Umtiti’s game-time has reduced year after year at Camp Nou and the centre-back played just one match during the 2021/22 campaign. It has become very clear that the former Olympique Lyon ace does not belong in the plans of manager Xavi Hernandez.

And now L’Equipe reports that after failed attempts to sell him in the past, Barcelona will finally be able to move Umtiti on from the club in the coming summer window. It is further stated that the 28-year-old’s next destination could likely be either France or Italy.

There has been interest from Ligue 1 clubs in the 28-year-old in the past, with his former side, Olympique Lyon, appearing as a suitor on multiple occasions. Umtiti’s wages, however, have been a major issue and he would need to make a sacrifice and reduce his salary to join the club.

As far as a move to Serie A is concerned, there is no mention of any suitor for the 28-year-old at the moment. There had been links to AC Milan close to the January transfer window, but whether the Rossoneri still retain an interest in Umtiti is not clear.

As things stand, Umtiti, who signed a new contract with Barça with a reduced salary in January, is expected to bring an end to his chapter at Camp Nou this summer. A transfer back to his homeland France seems very much likely, but a switch to Italian Serie A could also be on the cards.