Manchester United reported transfer target, Samuel Umtiti, has penned a new FC Barcelona contract, keeping him at the club until 2023. That’s according to Goal.
His contract at the Camp Nou was winding down, but now it looks as though the centre-back is there to stay; meaning Jose Mourinho will have to look elsewhere if he intends on signing a new defender this summer.
Umtiti would have been the perfect complement for Eric Bailly at the back, and make no mistake, this is a real blow for the Old Trafford club.
Honestly, though, it was always likely that he’d remain in Catalonia in my opinion. Heck, why would he leave? They’ve just romped to the La Liga title, with the Frenchman Umtiti playing 40 games during 2017/18.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say the 24-year-old is amongst the best central defenders in the game – hence United’s interest. At least the contract has been confirmed before the World Cup, and this saga will not drag on; meaning United have time aplenty to try and find another potential suitor.
Personally, Raphael Varane would be my number one choice, but the chances of that deal happening have to be extremely slim…
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