Manchester United have been looking to sign a quality center half for quite some time and they must splash the cash to lure one in the summer transfer window.
If reports in the media are anything to go by then the Red Devils are once again linked with French international and Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti.
According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, the 25-year-old World Cup winning star could secure a move away from the Catalan giants in June and he likes Manchester United and Manchester City.
Transfer: Man Utd would be willing to pay £43m-£52m to sign playmaker
Umtiti signed for the La Liga club back in 2016 and he had a release clause of just £50million. However, last year, Barca agreed a new deal with him (until 2023) and inserted a mammoth clause of €500million (£427million) to ward off interest from the Old Trafford club (The Independent).
The Les Bleus star was a key member of Valverde’s squad that won the league title last season but this time around, the former Lyon star has mostly been on the treatment table.
So far, in all competitions, Umtiti has only played 10 times for Barca this season and missed majority of the games due to a knee injury.
Umtiti did not even feature in the El Clasico vs Real Madrid and also warmed the bench last night vs Lyon in the Champions League. In his absence, compatriot Lenglet has done well therefore, his departure will not really hurt the Spanish champions.
As far as United are concerned, they badly need a defensive leader and Umtiti has all the traits to improve their back-line. Still, United should only move to secure his signing if the price is right and if the player proves his fitness in the coming months.
We shall see how the transfer saga unfolds in the summer.
Be the first to comment