Samuel Umtiti is enjoying a bounce-back campaign at Lecce and is drawing interest from fellow Serie A sides, especially Roma and Inter. He will head back to Barcelona, but he’s not part of their plans even though his contract lasts until 2026, Mundo Deportivo relays (via Sportitalia).
Rather than keeping him, the Blaugrana will look to cash in to alleviate their financial issues. The 29-year-old has been a regular for the Salentini, but they don’t have an option to keep him. The Spanish side took care of his salary this season. It would be too expensive for them if they found a way for him to stay.
Roma could be keener on Umtiti than Inter, considering they have a few moving parts in the back. Chris Smalling is expected to prolong his contract. His agent is in the Italian capital to finalize the agreement, Corriere dello Sport relays.
Premier League clubs have sent their scouts to keep an eye on Roger Ibanez ahead of summer transfer window; interest's growing around AS Roma centre back. ???? #transfers
Ibanez, now only focused on the final games with Roma; he has also been recently called up by Brazil. pic.twitter.com/TTFkuebKNN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2023
The Giallorossi could redeem Diego Llorente but only if Leeds United accepted a lower fee. Instead, Roger Ibanez could be a casualty of their Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Our Take on Umtiti, Roma, and Inter
He’s been solid and adapted to Serie A very quickly. Despite his previous injury woes, his quality and physicality are still there. It’s easy to imagine he’ll end up at a bigger club next. The Nerazzurri could use an Alessandro Bastoni deputy, but they have to prioritize replacing Milan Skriniar.
La Lupa should definitely sell Ibanez and sign a couple of left-footed center-backs. They would soothe some economic needs and improve on the pitch. He’d be a good target for Juventus too should they decide to simply add depth and not significantly bolster their rearguard.
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