The defence has always been the lacklustre part of FC Barcelona’s gameplay. Every time, it is seen that the Catalan giants possess a strong midfielder or an attacker while possessing a weak defender.
However, in the recent times, the Catalan side have had the strongest defence in the league conceding only seven goals in the entire league. Latest reports from France suggest that Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti is eyed by Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola.
According to respected French outlet L’Equipe, Umtiti’s representatives have met with City and the France international is now said to be mulling over a switch having been impressed by the project headed by manager Pep Guardiola.
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The centre-back has been the towering presence for Ernesto Valverde’s side this season, after impressing under Luis Enrique. He emerged as one of league’s best defender before he went down to a hamstring injury in the game against Celta Vigo early last month.
Umtiti’s release clause:
Umtiti’s release clause set by the Catalan club is somewhere around the bracket of 60 million euros, which is a bargain for a player of Umtiti’s calibre. While Liverpool ended up paying 75 million for Southampton’s defender Virgil Van Dijk, Guardiola would be looking to finalise the deal within 60 million for Umtiti.
Not only can Umtiti defend the ball with some physicality, but also can move the ball around from the back of the pitch. His physical power alongside his intelligent movement with the ball makes him one of World’s best defender at the moment.
The 24-year-old French international joined the Spanish giants in the summer of 2016 from his native side Lyon for a meagre price of 21 million. This transfer very often has been considered as ‘The Bargain of the century’. Guardiola wants to reinforce his quadruple-chasing City squad.
