Barcelona inform Frenchman that he is not in the club’s plans next season

The Barcelona defence was all over the place last season, conceding seven goals from direct errors in their domestic campaign. Not only that, five penalties were given away as well, raising some serious concerns about the future of several defenders and possible replacements.

Among these players, and possibly headlining the list, is a certain Samuel Umtiti, who, according to Alfredo Martinez, has been told that he is not in the club’s plans for next season.

Once touted to be the next big thing in central defence across the continent, things took a sharp right for Umtiti in the 2017/18 season. He picked up a pressing injury in his knee but refused to get surgery because that would have essentially ruled him out for the 2018 World Cup.

It is, however, a decision that he does not regret. After all, he went on an incredible run with France in the tournament, starting alongside Raphael Varane and lifting the trophy with a win against Croatia in the finals.

While he was incredible throughout the course of the competition, Barça fans never saw the same Umtiti. He picked up two injuries in the 2018/19 season, missing 28 games, and effectively losing his starting spot to Clement Lenglet, never to win it again.

For all their problems for quantity in the defence, Barça never needed the Frenchman last season. Ronald Araujo was quick to impress Ronald Koeman, and the meteoric rise of Oscar Mingueza did not got unnoticed, either. The two, along with Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, and often Frenkie de Jong took turns to headline an ever-changing three or four-man backline.

Along with the five central defenders Barcelona already have – including Umtiti -, they have added Eric Garcia to their arsenal. Moreover, they are reportedly in the market for a big-money move for a centre-back, with Aymeric Laporte leading the names listed for a potential transfer.

Umtiti’s injury concerns coupled with his heavy salary make him a priority departure for Barcelona this summer, but Joan Laporta will have to go out on a limb to convince Europe for his services.