Samuel Umtiti’s extension helps Barcelona in registering Ferran Torres

The Ferran Torres to Barcelona saga can finally come to rest after the Catalan club officially announced his registration following the contract extension of Samuel Umtiti. While this may seem a bit bizarre for Barca fans, how did the club extend a players’ contract and register Torres at the same time? The answer is quite simple. Umtiti was one of the highest earners in the club and although he was not playing regularly, he was collecting a hefty wage. His new contract that extends till 2026 has reduced his wages significantly, to the point where the Catalans can now afford to register Torres.

Samuel Umtiti’s renew helps Barcelona with the registration of Ferran Torres

Umtiti had one and half years left in his contract and there seemed to be no club where he was willing to go. The Blaugrana would have lost the player on a free transfer had they not extended his contract and now they have managed to kill two birds with one stone. In an official statement, the club wrote,

"“FC Barcelona and first-team player Samuel Umtiti have reached an agreement to extend the latter’s contract until 30 June 2026. The French defender is reducing a part of the salary that he was due to receive in the year and a half remaining on his contract.”Source FC Barcelona Statement"

The main problem in keeping the player in the team was due to his huge wages; however, they have exponentially reduced what he used to earn and they can now look to loan him out or sell him for even further financial benefits.

On the other hand, Torres can now start playing for the club; however since he has been tested positive for Covid, he will most likely miss out on the upcoming El Clasico on the 13th of January. He needs enough time to quarantine and then recover before he can debut for his new club.