Benfica rekindle interest in signing Barcelona defensive outcast – report

Barcelona will be actively looking to offload injury-prone defender Samuel Umtiti once the summer transfer window opens for business later this year.

The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order of things at the club over the past two years and is seen as a surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.

Frustrated by his injury issues and given the massive wages he earned, Barça were intent on selling him last summer, but the French international convinced Joan Laporta to give him another chance. However, that has not worked out well, as Umtiti has played just once this term.

The centre-back is currently out with yet another injury. Despite him agreeing to a downward contract renewal in January, he still remains on significant wages which Barcelona want to get rid of.

And Fichajes is now reporting that the Catalans might have found a suitor for Umtiti in the form of SL Benfica.

The Portuguese giants had shown an interest in signing the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner during the January transfer window. But, ultimately they did not pursue his signing as the defender stayed put at Camp Nou.

However, as per the report, Benfica are now considering rekindling their interest in Umtiti and see him as a vital addition to the squad ahead of the upcoming season. They are willing to give him a chance to recover his best form at Estadio da Luz in the upcoming campaign.

This development will come as music to the ears of the Barcelona administration. The French international has just not been playing at the desired level after his first couple of years at the club.

And with at least one new defender expected to arrive, it is imperative that the Catalans get rid of the deadweight from the roster. It now remains to be seen if Benfica follow up on their interest in Umtiti come summer.