Lyon will reportedly look to re-sign 29-year-old French defender Samuel Umtiti from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Samuel Umtiti might return to his former club Lyon in the summer transfer window. The Ligue 1 giants are ready to launch the offensive for the 29-year-old Barcelona defender. And an agreement over personal terms might be close as they look to sign a replacement for Castello Lukeba.
Samuel Umtiti spent his formative years in his homeland before graduating from the Lyon Academy. The Frenchman made a name for himself during his stint with Les Gones while establishing a foothold in his national team. And he earned a move to Barcelona in July 2016 before immediately making his mark at Camp Nou.
The 29-year-old was top-notch in his first few seasons with Barcelona before a spate of injuries stunted his progress. And there was no way back for the player once the fitness woes engulfed him. He somehow sustained a good level to help France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
But Umtiti’s performance levels drastically dropped with every passing season. And he became a peripheral figure for Barcelona under Ronald Koeman and Xavi Hernandez. So it was hardly surprising when Barcelona looked to part ways with him for good last summer. But he only left on a loan move, with Lecce securing his services.
The 29-year-old has improved his reputation somewhat after turning out 25 times for Lecce this past season. But Umtiti’s prospects of playing for a big club are over. And Barcelona will look to cash in on him in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, recent reports have linked him with a few Serie A clubs, including Inter Milan. However, a return to Lyon might be on the cards.
Les Gones will part ways with Castello Lukeba in the summer transfer window as they look to balance the books. And re-signing Umtiti from Barcelona on the cheap is a sensible decision. Meanwhile, personal terms should not be an issue, according to the report, although the two parties are yet to seal an agreement.
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Meanwhile, Umtiti should benefit from returning to his former club, Lyon. The Ligue 1 giants have European qualification aspirations. So he can still find himself playing at the top level, albeit at a club a tier below Barcelona. Nonetheless, moving back to Lyon will help the 29-year-old continue to resurrect his stuttering career.
