Olympique Lyon reignited interest in Barcelona defender
Lyon looking into securing Barcelona defender, Samuel Umtiti.
Ligue 1’s Olympic Lyon have reportedly been monitoring the situation of Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. According to Mundo Deportivo, this deal can be a sort of a mini deal amongst the Memphis Depay saga, as Lyon can somehow ask the Catalan side to throw in Umtiti in the deal.
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The 26-year-old Frenchman moved to camp Nou in 2016. Although he’s put in some top performances over the years, he has not exactly been the ideal defender that the Catalans expected with his inconsistent performances and injury problems. Umtiti also failed to perform in all the UEFA Champions League knockout ties over the years.
According to multiple reports, Memphis Depay has already reached personal terms with Ronald Koeman to arrive at the Nou Camp. The French centre back is still under contract at Barca but his sale will bring in a good fee and free up wages for Josep Bartomeu’s current transfer policy at the club, where the team buys only after incoming transfer funds are received after-sales.
The Catalans are also close to signing Ajax’s Sergino Dest as the youngster has reportedly snubbed Bayern Munich to join Koeman in his quest. The 19-year-old will get a guaranteed starting lineup with the departure of Nelson Semedo to Nuno’s Wolverhampton Wanderers. As for Barca, they are still reportedly interested in Depay and Lautaro Martinez. For these two transfers, they might have to break their current summer transfer policy but these two players can be worth it. The La Liga giants are looking to rebuild in an extremely thorough manner and they will look to be back to snatch the La Liga title back from rivals, Real Madrid.
Lyon reportedly want to bring in the centre back for increasing their strength defensively. They are looking for leadership in the Frenchman as their current team lacks it. A move to Lyon will be a career rejuvenating move for Umtiti, as it will be a new opportunity to regain his popularity as a great centre-back.
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Should Barca sell Umtiti this transfer window?