Manchester United have reportedly been handed a major transfer boost in their rumoured pursuit of Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. Barcelona have agreed to terms with Umtiti over a new long-term contract but the delay in the competition of the deal leaves the door open for the Red Devils to make a sensational bid.
The Catalan giants plan to offer the France international a new contract but are handicapped currently due to their Financial Fair Play regulations, as per Goal.
They splashed out €160m on Philippe Coutinho in January and any further transfer deal could see them breach the Financial Fair Play regulations. Umtiti has a €60million buyout clause in his current deal which expires in the summer of 2021.
That release clause is not a big amount for United and Jose Mourinho could make a move for the French defender and bolster his defence.
The 24-year-old has been in superb form this season, starting 26 times in all competitions in the La Liga. He has been a rock at the back for Barcelona and manager Ernesto Valverde remains very much keen to keep hold of his prized asset.
The report adds that Umtiti and his representatives have come to a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ over a new deal, but the terms remain to be signed off on the first day of the 2018-19 financial season. Umtiti’s release clause means other clubs would be able to snap him up for just €60millon, and United remain interested in the French international.
Umtiti has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe and his pace and strength would make him an ideal fit in the Premier League should he decide to leave Barcelona. Despite United signing the likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, Mourinho remains concerned with his defence and is planning to recruit a new defender after the end of this campaign.
The Portuguese manager has said numerous times that he won’t be signing any attacking player in summer following the addition of Alexis Sanchez in January. This means that strengthening the defence and the midfield remains our gaffer’s priority in the summer.
Umtiti is a top defender, perfect to play under Mourinho, who would be tempted to meet the release clause in the Frenchman’s existing deal.
