Samuel Umtiti agrees five-year deal with Barcelona

The defender was on radar of various European clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United.

The French international has signed a new deal with FC Barcelona, putting an end to speculations around his transfer. Samuel Umtiti signed a five-year deal with the club. He joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2016 for a transfer fee of £21.2m.

The 24-year old defender was heavily linked with Liverpool and Manchester United over the uneasy situation in his contract. However, Barcelona released an official statement of his new contract yesterday.

Samuel Umtiti is widely regarded as one of the most promising defenders in football at the moment. His buyout clause was significantly lower than his valuation, which prompted Barcelona to act quickly.

Umtiti has formed a formidable partnership with Gerard Pique at the back, and the pair enjoyed much success together. The defender played a key role in Barcelona’s title campaign this season, where they lost only one game. Barca conceded only 29 goals in the La Liga this season.

The defender is a part of the 23-member squad for France as they aim for World Cup glory in Russia this summer.

Earlier, he expressed his desire to play at Barcelona in the midst of transfer speculations linking him to Premier League clubs. “It is clear that I want to renew my contract at Barcelona and I hope to be with the team next season,” said Umtiti while talking to French newspaper L’Equipe.

Also read: Who should Barcelona sign this summer?

“I’m at a club that allowed me to realise my dream of playing there,” the defender added.

Barcelona are already in advanced talks to sign star forward Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. The contract extension for Samuel Umtiti has provided a huge boost to Barcelona as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.