Rennes have reportedly begun talks with Barcelona over the possibility of signing injury-prone defender Samuel Umtiti this summer.
According to French publication L’Equipe, Ligue 1 outfit Rennes are considering the prospect of signing Barcelona outcast Samuel Umtiti in the ongoing transfer window and have started negotiations with the Catalans over a move.
Umtiti has completed six seasons at Barcelona after joining the club from Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2016. However, after a couple of successful seasons, the 28-year-old has regressed drastically due to injury woes which have had an adverse effect on his performances.
Umtiti has hardly featured for the Blaugrana over the past couple of seasons and has completely fallen out of favour. Barcelona have been looking for ways to offload him since last summer but have been unsuccessful in their endeavours. However, they could finally see the Frenchman leave this summer, with a move back to his homeland on the cards.
Umtiti has been linked with a move to his former club Lyon, although his salary could play a spoilsport in the transfer. Now Lyon’s Ligue 1 rivals Rennes have also entered the race to sign the 28-year-old centre-half.
Rennes enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign as they secured a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1, securing qualification to the UEFA Europa League. Heading into the continental competition, the Brittany-based outfit are keen on adding some experience to their ranks.
And even though Umtiti has struggled with injuries and a lack of game-time in recent seasons, they are looking at the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner as a serious option for the summer window.
To that end, Rennes have initiated discussions with Barcelona over a possible transfer for Umtiti this summer. The 28-year-old signed a new contract with the La Liga giants this January mainly to reduce his salary as Barça sought to lower their wage bill and accommodate their new signings in the winter window.
So, even though Umtiti’s contract runs until 2026, he is likely to be available for a nominal fee this summer. However, whether Rennes have the capability to match the defender’s wages remains the big question as they look to take the ex-Lyon ace back to France.
