Manchester United eyeing a bargain £20m transfer for French star: Right option for Ole?

Manchester United could pursue the signing of Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti as the Catalan club are keen on selling the Frenchman, as per reports.

Umtiti has had very little game time at Barcelona this season, and he could be on his way out of Barca.

As per El Desmarque, Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing Umtiti, with north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also keen on securing his signature.

Metro have reported that Barcelona will likely demand a fee of just around £20 million for the French international, who has spent a lot of time on the sidelines due to injury.

Umtiti has played over 100 times for the Catalan giants since signing for them in 2016 from Lyon. He has been an important player for the French national team over the last few years, making 29 appearances for the national side.

His contract with Barcelona expires in 2023.

Samuel Umtiti – Right option for Ole?

A few years ago, Samuel Umtiti was one of the hottest prospects in Europe and was destined to become a top defender. But a dip in form, numerous injuries, as well as the form of compatriot Clément Lenglet has seen Umtiti get meagre playing time at Barcelona.

The World Cup-winning defender is a player who likes to nip in and make quick interceptions, using his pace and physicality to good effect.

The 26-year-old centre-back likes to move the ball from the back with his good passing, as well as move forward with the ball to create opportunities for his teammates.

Umtiti may not be very good in the air or a good tackler, but like a lot of modern centre-backs, is very good with his feet and playing out from the back.

The Red Devils signed Harry Maguire in the summer for a world-record transfer fee for a defender, but the Englishman hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. But, perhaps his form would improve alongside a defender who is quicker to the ball and does the dirty work of making interceptions and moving the ball ahead, while he clears balls and leads the defence.

At £20 million, Umtiti seems like a bargain, and would strengthen the United squad which still has the likes of Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo, who have struggled over the last few years.