Barcelona believe it will be easier to sell French defender this summer

Samuel Umtiti has been surplus to requirements at Barcelona for a while now. The Frenchman has struggled for game-time over the past two years and the club made attempts to sell him last summer.

However, a move did not materialise as the injury-prone defender convinced Joan Laporta to give him another chance to come good. But it has been the story of history repeating itself for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, who has been overlooked by the manager and struggled with injuries.

As a result, Umtiti has made just one appearance this season. With Barça looking to sign at least one new central defender in the summer, the former Lyon ace’s prospects will only get bleaker.

And, as per SPORT, Barcelona are eager to get Umtiti off the books before the next season kicks off.

The Catalans believe that offloading the French international will be much easier than it was in past due to him signing a new contract in January until the summer of 2026.

Umtiti penned a downward renewal with the Blaugrana during the winter window, lowering his wages significantly in order to help the club register their new signings. With his salary reduced, the club expect that more clubs would be able to secure his services.

The report further adds that a return to his homeland, France, could be on the cards for Umtiti. The 28-year-old has been previously linked with a move back to his boyhood club Lyon and there is a chance that such a move could materialise.

The player believes that his knee issues are a thing of the past and can compete at the highest level. At the same time, he is aware that he is unlikely to get a platform to succeed at Barça due to competition.

So, an exit would be the best possible scenario, with the Catalans prepared to help him in whichever way possible to secure a move away. A transfer to Lyon could be a smart decision as a return to familiar surroundings could help Umtiti grow his confidence back.