Barcelona defender not thinking about future, focused on succeeding at loan club

When Samuel Umtiti joined Lecce on a season-long loan deal, it was widely seen as the start of a decline for a player who had largely suffered from injuries throughout the past three or four years.

However, as we enter the halfway point of the campaign, Umtiti has found some degree of success at Lecce. He has been one of the club’s better performers, producing some solid displays at the heart of the backline.

The Frenchman, who was the subject of racial abuse in a recent game against Lazio, has done well in terms of his performances. For the first time in a while, he even featured in five consecutive league games, completing ninety minutes in three of them.

According to SPORT, Umtiti’s improved performances have not gone unnoticed. And if he continues his good form, he may soon receive offers from bigger clubs, perhaps even within Serie A.

However, the report suggests Umtiti is not thinking about his future at all. He is focused on completing his loan term at Lecce which expires at the end of the season. He is poised to return to Barcelona in the summer, following the end of his temporary stint.

There might be a possibility Lecce might look to retain his services on a permanent basis when the season ends. But that is subject to how much Barcelona demand for the player. Not to mention, the defender may indeed receive offers from bigger clubs.

Umtiti, though, is not willing to give any thought to speculations over his future. He remains committed to Lecce and it will be interesting to see whether or not he can play a vital role in helping the Italian outfit finish in the top half of the table come May.