Manchester United Rumors: Red Devils Eyeing To Give Barcelona Flop's New Lease On Life

With a career starting to dwindle, a Barcelona flop could reclaim his prominence with Manchester United.

A few years ago, Samuel Umtiti was one of Barcelona’s sensational stars, having been instrumental in the club’s 2017-18 La Liga campaign.

Unfortunately, injuries hindered his soaring career and his future at Camp Nou is now uncertain.

However, a brand new start for Umtiti seems to be lurking as Manchester United is interested in handing him a key role in its talent-stacked squad, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported.

The Red Devils are considering Umtiti as a suitable option as the report stated that the team eyes to strengthen its defense this summer.

The central defender, who has only made 13 appearances this season for Barcelona, is being touted as an alternative to Manchester United’s target Raphael Varane, the report added.

Prior to Manchester United, previous reports claim that a number of big-name clubs are already keeping tabs on Umtiti.

Among those heavily considering a transfer swoop Red Devils’ English Premier League rival Arsenal.

It is said that the Gunners have rekindled their interest in the two-time La Liga champion.

However, should Arsenal decide to launch a bid in the summer, the London outfit would have to succumb to the player’s demands.

If reports were accurate, Umtiti is not open to compromise on his current rate at Barca, which is estimated to be around the region of €15 million ($18 million) per year.

Apparently, the World Cup winner is only interested in a club that would be able or is willing to match the said figure.

Aside from Arsenal and Manchester United, Umtiti is also linked to a sensational return to his former club Lyon.

However, a move to his hometown is unlikely to happen for Umtiti this year as Lyon sporting director Juninho admitted that the club can’t match his salary.

“But as long as you look at the contract level of these players, like at Juventus or Barça, it’s not for us today,” Juninho explained in December. “Today we have to tell the truth, we cannot pay the salary of a [Samuel] Umtiti.”

Juninho further bared that the only way Lyon can land Umtiti is if he would have a change of perspective.

“But if the player is looking for a project, if he makes an effort with perhaps a longer contract, if he wants to go home, and then I will look for him immediately,” the director pointed out.