Barcelona opinion: Should Barca sell Samuel Umtiti?

According to a report from Metro UK, Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

The report also adds that the French World Cup winner would be open to negotiations should the Catalans succeed in the pursuit of Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

Umtiti’s meteoric progress hindered by injuries

The Catalans made an absolute steal when they signed Umtiti from Lyon in 2016. The 25-year-old soon ingrained his position as an indispensable asset, as he and Gerard Pique formed a formidable duo in Barca’s high line. 

One of his most remarkable performances was against PSG in the UCL round of 16, where Barca produced a historic comeback under Luis Enrique.

In the middle of the following season, Umtiti suffered his first major injury, followed by another knee injury at the start of the 2018/19 campaign which sent him into hibernation throughout the course of the season.

Why Shouldn’t Barca sell Umtiti?

While the Blaugrana were searching for a perfect partner for Pique, Clement Lenglet, Barca’s acquisition from Sevilla last summer, stood up to the task and made the club feel less sorry about the absence of Umtiti.

The 23-year-old put up a string of fine displays, which eventually saw him don the French national team shirt for the first time in his career.

Umtiti can still be a valuable asset to the La Liga champions. The Blaugrana were in the pursuit of Dutch defender De Ligt and the transfer hasn’t seen the light of day as Juventus have become the frontrunners for his signature. 

Jean Clair Todibo remains another option, who was bought from Toulouse earlier this summer.

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Verdict

Barca can still get the best out of Umtiti should they offer him a second chance to reinstate his form. Furthermore, the Catalans should remember his massive contribution to the French national team in the FIFA World Cup last year.