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Barcelona has been refining its squad for the 2022-23 season and on Thursday a new departure was confirmed: Frenchman Samuel Umtiti was loaned to Lecce in Italy. Conversations with the newly promoted Serie A club had started last week and, after agreeing to the terms of the transaction, the agreement was made official in the transfer window in the 'Old Continent'.
The 'Giallorossi' welcomed the 28-year-old defender, who was a world champion with the French national team in Russia 2018, through social media. According to the Italian squad, the agreement with the center-back extends until June 30, 2023, and no purchase option was stipulated.
During his stay in Barcelona, after signing in 2016, Samuel Umtiti won two La Liga titles (2017/18 and 2018/19), three Copa del Rey titles (2016/17, 2017/18, and 2020/21), and two Spanish Super Cups (2016/17 and 2018/19). It is also worth noting that the defender has a contract with the 'culés' until June 30, 2026.
In the next few hours, the Frenchman will arrive in Italy, undergo the necessary medical examinations, and join coach Marco Baroni's team. Due to his long period away from the field, the player may have to wait a little before making his debut in Serie A.
It is worth mentioning that Lecce currently has several young athletes, and Samuel Umtiti will be one of the most experienced players in the squad. The club's mission is to remain in the top division, and the team needs a prompt reaction after losing to Inter (1-2) and Sassuolo (1-0) in the first two matchdays.
Umtiti, lacking continuity last season
During the 2021-22 season, Umtiti only played one game in LaLiga, precisely as a starter, when Barcelona drew 2-2 away to Osasuna on December 12th of last year. That mentioned match was the only one the defender played, as he was not considered in the Copa del Rey, Champions League, or Europa League.
What are Barcelona's departures for 2022-23?
After consulting with the technical direction led by Xavi Hernández, ahead of the following season, FC Barcelona decided to part ways with the services of up to 11 players: Coutinho, Trincao, Puig, Mingueza, Neto, Wagué, Manaj, Alves, Nico, Lenglet, and Collado.
Of the mentioned players, only Philippe Coutinho and Francisco Trincao brought profits to Barcelona's coffers: 20 and three million euros, respectively. Meanwhile, Nico, Lenglet, and Collado were loaned out for the entire season.
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