Newcastle United have reportedly identified Barcelona outcast Samuel Umtiti as a prime target to strengthen their backline.
The Magpies are battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League. They sit 19th in the league table with the joint-worst defensive record in the division having shipped in 42 goals in 19 games. Eddie Howe is deeply concerned with his team’s defence and has prioritised reinforcing the area in the upcoming winter window.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Newcastle United are willing to pay Barcelona £17 million to secure the signing of Samuel Umtiti. The Catalan giants want to get rid of the centre-back, as the club continues to negotiate its way through the financial crisis, the report adds.
Umtiti, 28, has long fallen down the defensive pecking order at Barcelona, making just one appearance throughout this season so far. The French World Cup winner, who has also been linked with moves to AC Milan and Benfica, isn’t favoured by current manager Xavi Hernandez and has also lost his place in the national team due to a spate of injury problems in recent years.
Samuel Umtiti to Newcastle United – Should the Magpies make a move?
With the threat of relegation looming large, Newcastle United must bolster their squad next month if they wish to stay in the Premier League. Eddie Howe has plenty of food for thought and the English tactician will surely have to make a few impactful signings to boost the Magpies’ chances of avoiding the drop to the Championship.
Barcelona are keen to sell the Frenchman.https://t.co/3L7Ymik4do
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) December 29, 2021
If Newcastle’s defensive organisation and displays are anything to go by, Howe needs to prioritise the recruitment of a new centre-back as soon as possible, given that none of the current crop of defenders have performed consistently this term.
Post-2018 World Cup in Russia, Umtiti’s career has been ravaged by injury problems and fitness issues. He has struggled to stay fit in each of the last three La Liga campaigns, managing only 40 league appearances combined. Despite managing to keep himself fit and ready, the Frenchman has made just one La Liga appearance this term, which suggests his massive dip in stock.
Nonetheless, if Umtiti can stay away from injuries and bring consistency to his game, he could add value to a Newcastle defence struggling for leadership and guidance. Being a left-footed defender, the ex-Lyon man would be a straight upgrade on the error-strewn Ciaran Clark, whilst making the Magpies rearguard tougher to breach.
However, a lot would depend on how quickly Umtiti adapts to the physical demands of Premier League football, but overall, this is a signing that would make sense for Newcastle.
