Everton are reportedly interested in swooping Samuel Umtiti away from Barcelona in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Samuel Umtiti is the subject of interest from Everton over a possible move in the January transfer window. Carlo Ancelotti views the Barcelona defender as the ideal defensive reinforcement for his side this winter.
Samuel Umtiti joined Barcelona from boyhood club Lyon in the summer of 2016 and made an early impression at Camp Nou. However, after a strong debut campaign with the Catalan giants, the Frenchman’s stock has been constantly declining, at least at club level.
Since the start of the 2018/19 season, Umtiti has started just 28 of the 124 games that Barcelona have played in the period, spending the majority of his time out injured. Things seem to have finally reached a head at the club, with the Blaugrana ready to cut their losses on him, even though the player himself has committed his future to them. And, Everton are ready to pounce.
Everton have a fine working relationship with Barcelona, having signed the likes of Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes from the Spanish heavyweights in recent years. The Toffees have continued sourcing their signings from La Liga under Carlo Ancelotti as well, with James Rodriguez notably joining them in the summer.
The intention to sign a centre-back, meanwhile, does make sense, considering neither Mina nor Mason Holgate have been particularly impressive for Everton this season. That leaves Ancelotti as Michael Keane as the only regular at his disposal and it is hardly surprising that players like Bremer and others have been linked in recent weeks.
Everton have also attempted to sign Fikayo Tomori but to no avail. Now, though, it looks like they could turn their attention towards Barcelona yet again. However, signing Umtiti would come with its fair share of risks, considering the injury woes of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Nevertheless, it looks like Ancelotti would be willing to take a chance on the 27-year-old following his recovery from his latest injury. That Barcelona are willing to lower their €12 million asking price would also be quite appealing to Everton and it remains to be seen if they do make a move for the Frenchman this winter.
