Injury-blighted Umtiti finally leaves Barcelona for Lecce on loan
French defender Samuel Umtiti on Thursday completed a season-long loan move to Italian Serie A side Lecce after being told by Barcelona coach Xavi that he was no longer in the club’s plans.
Several clubs came in for the once-highly rated centre-back, including Girona, Stade Rennes and Greek giants Olympiacos, but he ultimately chose to switch to Italy.
A statement on Barcelona’s website read, “Barcelona and Lecce of Serie A have reached an agreement on the loan of defender Samuel Umtiti until June 30, 2023.”
“Lecce won Italy’s Serie B last season and are now back playing at the highest level of Italian football.”
Barcelona have agreed to pay half of his salary for the duration of the loan, and the deal does not include a buy option for Lecce.
Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016 from Olympique Lyonnais and enjoyed a fantastic start to his time at the club, playing a crucial role in helping France win the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
His performances at Camp Nou have however been blighted by nagging injuries and poor form, pushing to the back seat in the club’s reckoning.
To play at the 2018 World Cup, the Frenchman chose not to undergo surgery on a troublesome knee and has struggled to regain form and fitness.
He has made 133 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, winning six trophies, including two La Liga titles.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Health
Nigerians should stop assaulting medical personnel: NMA
The FCT NMA chair decried as unacceptable, numerous attacks facing medical workers in the FCT in recent times over alleged negligence of duty.
Economy
Only 17 out of 30 Nigerian marginal oil fields operational: NUPRC
Mr Komolafe said marginal fields award was initiated to increase participation of indigenous companies in the upstream sector and build local content capacity.
Hot news Home top
FLASH: Putin orders massive recruitment into Russian military
From 2023, Russia’s military would grow in total to two million people, according to a decree published on Thursday.
Enugu
NAPTIP rescues child labourers, seals construction site in Enugu
Mrs Ajie said that the early morning raid followed an intelligence gathered by the agency that some underage children were being exploited by their ‘principal.’
World
Another U.S. delegation visits Taiwan amid China’s warning
The Chinese military held large-scale manoeuvres around Taiwan earlier this month in response to U.S. House Speaker Pelosi’s visit to the island.
Abuja
Presidential Guards Brigade nabs 8 Boko Haram terrorists in Abuja: DHQ
Mr Danmadami said troops of Operation Whirl Punch had sustained the momentum to deny terrorists freedom of action in their joint operation area.
