French defender set to leave Barcelona in the summer – report

Barcelona are gearing up for a vital summer transfer window, with several incomings being lined up by manager Xavi Hernandez.

A new striker is at the top of the wishlist for the Blaugrana, with a deal for Robert Lewandowski believed to be close.

At the same time, the Catalan giants are also eyeing a new left-back to provide competition for Jordi Alba, with Celta Vigo’s Javi Galan the latest name being linked with the club.

Mundo Deportivo is now reporting that a new left-footed centre-back could also be on the agenda for Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window. That is because Samuel Umtiti is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Frenchman has been with Barcelona since 2016 when he arrived from Olympique Lyon. After a terrific first year at Camp Nou, the 28-year-old has regressed due to fitness problems that have plagued him throughout his stint in Catalonia.

Umtiti has fallen completely out of favour at the club in the past couple of seasons and looked primed for an exit last summer, only for him to convince Joan Laporta to give him another shot.

But that has not worked for the Frenchman as he has played just once this term and has been out injured again. With Barcelona set to sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea and closing in on an extension for Ronald Araujo, his prospects would not improve whatsoever.

So, an exit is the best possible course of action for all parties involved heading into the summer. And as per the report from Mundo Deportivo, Umtiti will be leaving the club before the next season starts.

It also states that Clement Lenglet’s future is also up in the air, which is why Barcelona might look to bring in a left-footed centre-half in the transfer window.