Premier League giants Chelsea are apparently keen on signing Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as they prepare life without head coach Antonio Conte.
According to reports, former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is in pole position to take over at Stamford Bridge next season, which could have a big impact on Chelsea’s pursuit of Umtiti.
Even though the Frenchman’s contractual obligations will keep him at the club till 2021, Umtiti reportedly has a release clause of €60m, which can be activated this summer.
Luis Enrique was the one to bring the Frenchman into the Spanish shores when he completed a €25m move from Lyon in the summer of 2015. Since then, Samuel Umtiti has emerged as an integral figure in the Barcelona backline.
This season, in particular, Umtiti has been one of the most important players for Barcelona under new coach Ernesto Valverde. The French International has built a formidable defensive partnership with Gerard Pique, which has helped Barcelona maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Chelsea have identified Samuel Umtiti as the perfect replacement for David Luiz, who will be sold this summer, after a show of indiscipline under Antonio Conte this season. With Chelsea chiefs ‘willing to do everything’ to get the defender on board, Umtiti might just be interested in uniting with his former boss Luis Enrique considering how much success Enrique has had during his time with Barcelona.
Primarily known for his sheer physical prowess, Umtiti is also someone, who’s perfectly suited for the Premier League’s high-paced game. His intimidating figure coupled with some great decision making is what make him such a sought-after defensive commodity in Europe.
The 24-year-old could be an ideal addition to Chelsea considering the fact that they will likely revert to a four-man backline next season. The Frenchman could partner Andreas Christensen, who has been one of the most impressive Chelsea players this season in the central defence. Christensen’s classic ball-playing abilities will be perfectly complemented by the more robust and stubborn Samuel Umtiti.
Therefore, it would be interesting to see how Umtiti’s transfer saga takes shape this summer. The French International is definitely an accomplished defender who is more than capable of making an impact in the Premier League next season.
