Samuel Umtiti underwent an exhaustive medical to prove his knee is in perfect condition as Barcelona look to sell the defender, per Mundo Deportivo, amid interest from Liverpool.
The Frenchman has been carrying a left knee injury since 2018 after playing through the pain at the World Cup. He decided that representing his country was worth the risk, but has been unable to shake the discomfort since.
Umtiti has appeared much more comfortable on the pitch this summer, though, and Dr Ramon Cugat may be why. The 27-year-old visited the Spanish knee injury specialist and underwent an exhaustive medical examination to prove the joint has recovered.
Umtiti hopes Dr Cugat marks the start of his next Barcelona chapter, despite interest from Liverpool and the Camp Nou outfit needing to sell. The Catalan giants need to offload him and would consider a free transfer just to remove his €4m-a-year (£65k-p/w) contract.
The defender’s agent, Arturo Canales, is assessing options as they arrive, however Umtiti’s focus is on staying at Barcelona. He acknowledges their need to reduce the wage bill, but his priority is to fulfil his contract expiring in 2023.
Umtiti will only leave Barcelona for an elite side, where he can grow and challenge for top titles. Sport previously cited the same stance, adding he would also accept a loan transfer. Liverpool will likely be monitoring developments, after the Express cited interest in Umtiti.
The Anfield natives, alongside Arsenal, are tracking Umtiti with a view to potentially making the Barcelona defender a Liverpool player. The 2018 World Cup winner’s efforts to prove his knee has recovered could encourage Jurgen Klopp to sanction a swoop.
Liverpool can match Umtiti’s requirements for Barcelona exit
Umtiti’s persistent knee injury will have concerned Klopp and ensured Liverpool did not rush to do a deal with Barcelona. But he has come through the La Liga side’s pre-season unscathed and has taken extra measures to prove his fitness.
Klopp may now be ready to push the button and make Umtiti a Liverpool player and agree terms with Barcelona. Strengthening his backline ahead of the new Premier League season, as the Reds look to challenge for the title again.
Liverpool fighting Manchester City for top honours will appeal to Umtiti, no doubt, given his set requirements for leaving Barcelona. Klopp will also eye winning the Champions League, an elite honour still missing from Umtiti’s trophy cabinet.
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