Samuel Umtiti has established a reputation as one of the world’s top defenders since joining Barcelona in 2016, and now clubs such as Manchester United are being linked with the Frenchman following reports from Manchester Evening News.
The Daily Star is now of the view United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Umtiti, following an update from La Liga expert Guillem Balague. The same report suggests he has stalled on a new contract at Camp Nou because the Catalan club is unwilling to meet his wage demands.
This lead to speculation about Umtiti’s future and with United light in the defensive department fans would take to an addition or two if it took some reliance off David de Gea’s back.
Following Barcelona’s Champions League knockout at the hands of AS Roma, Spanish football expert Balague has revealed that Umtiti may have changed his mind, as per Sky Sports.
“After the defeat against Roma and his poor performance, he lost power in the negotiation table.
“There has been fresh contact and Barcelona, without being totally optimistic, think the tables have turned and are getting close to convincing him to stay for much less of what he originally asked.”
With Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo as alternatives to partner Eric Bailly, when fit, at the heart of United’s defence, nobody could blame manager Jose Mourinho for wanting to strengthen his defensive options.
United are currently second in the Premier League, three points clear of third-place rivals Liverpool, so aims now turn to secure that spot and improve for next season.
We host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
