Serie A minnows close to reaching a loan agreement for Barcelona centre-back

In a major development, Barcelona outcast Samuel Umtiti could be closing in on a loan move to Serie A minnows Lecce, reports Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The claim is corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, who states that negotiations are underway between Lecce and Barça over a possible move for Umtiti, who could be on his way to Italy before the transfer window closes.

Signed from Lyon in 2016, Umtiti enjoyed a solid first couple of seasons at Barcelona. However, it has all gone downhill for him since, as injuries and a decline in form have meant that he has fallen down the pecking order.

Umtiti has been out of favour for Barcelona for more than a year and played just one game all season in 2021/22. It has been made clear to him that he does not feature in manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans going forward, and the French ace has been looking for an exit.

A move to French club Rennes had been touted heavily but fell through while he has also been heavily linked with a transfer to former club Olympique Lyon. However, as per the latest updates, Umtiti could be headed to Italy instead, with Lecce in talks to sign him up.

It will come as a huge relief for Barça as they are in need to get rid of players to lower their wage bill and successfully register Jules Kounde and any other potential incoming before the window closes.

A video posted by journalist David Ibanez showed Umtiti going through the ‘tunel de collejas’ before training earlier today – a tradition reserved for new signings, birthdays or player exits, which might hint at the Frenchman’s imminent departure.

Umtiti signed a new contract with Barcelona by reducing his wages in the January window which helped the club register Ferran Torres and Dani Alves.

Now, his potential departure, coupled with the impending exits of Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be crucial to the Blaugrana‘s efforts of registering players without any complications in the final phase of the summer.