Barcelona outcast could depart soon with Olympique Lyon ready to move – report

According to SPORT, Samuel Umtiti could soon be on his way out of FC Barcelona as his former Olympique Lyon are ready to make a move for the Frenchman.

After a few years of struggle in Catalonia, Umtiti spent the last season away on loan at Lecce, where he played fairly regularly and rebuilt his damaged reputation to some degree, exhibiting good form and fitness levels.

Lyon, who had ruled out a move for Umtiti last year due to doubts over his fitness, are now eyeing a reunion with their former defender, while the Frenchman himself is understood to be open to a move.

Lyon’s move for Umtiti was subject to them offloading one of their current defenders, Castello Lukeba. And, as per the report, they are in advanced negotiations to sell him to RB Leipzig, in a deal worth €30 million.

As such, they will have the financial muscle to go after Umtiti’s signing, as long as they are able to reach a salary agreement with the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Barcelona, for their part, are willing to do everything in their power to part ways with Umtiti. The Catalans are keen to reduce their salary mass and offloading the French international will see them save a good chunk of their wage bill.

Even though they were hoping to receive a token fee for his sale, the La Liga champions are not open to handing him a letter of freedom to leave if favourable terms are agreed.

But the move would ultimately hinge on Umtiti and Lyon reaching an agreement over his contract terms and it is likely that the player might have to take a pay cut in order to secure his return to Lyon.

Barcelona have received interest from two Italian clubs while Umtiti is understood to have proposals from Saudi Arabia as well, although there is nothing concrete at this point.

With Lyon making progress in their efforts to sell Lukeba, it will be then up to the three parties to tie up a favourable deal for everyone involved.