Lecce are set to bolster their defense with two high-profile additions from abroad, as they are in advanced talks with Barcelona for Samuel Umtiti, while Marin Pongracic has landed in Italy to finalize his move. The Giallorossi opened the season with makeshift pairs, also due to injuries.
As per Corriere della Sera, if the transfer goes through, Blaugrana will cover the wages of the Frenchman entirely. They will get bonuses depending on how much he plays. He wants to play in Italy because he plans to become a coach and would study tactics in Serie A. He will be followed by a personal assistant to help deal with muscular problems near his knees.
While Umtiti should give his final okay and join Lecce in the next few days, Pongracic is about to be announced, Tuttomercatoweb reports. He arrives on loan from Wolfsburg. The 24-year-old spent last season at Borussia Dortmund, featuring in 23 matches. They declined to activate their €12M option to buy. He previously played at RB Leipzig and FC Ingolstadt. He has 38 Bundesliga appearances under his belt.
The French world champion failed to live up to expectations at Barcelona, partly due to his ever-precarious health. He suffered multiple knee problems, plus a foot fracture cost him half of the recent campaign. He has starred in 133 matches with the Catalans following a €30M switch from Olympique Lyonnais. The center-back has 31 caps with Les Bleus.
Our Take on Lecce Adding Umtiti and Pongracic
The wacky portion of the window has started, and this will not be the final surprises. The Salentini surely needed some help in the back. They got a pair that could have suited much bigger teams looking for the same type of reinforcements.
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