‘May be necessary’: Agent admits reported Everton and West Ham target could leave, earns £135k a week

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A move away from Barcelona may be “necessary” for reported West Ham United and Everton target Samuel Umtiti, the World Cup winner’s agent has admitted to Foot 01.

With budgets slashed across the globe, even some of the game’s biggest and most powerful clubs have been forced to think outside the box to get a high-earning benchwarmer off their books.

Manchester United terminated Alexis Sanchez’s £500,000 a week contract to push through his long-awaited departure, while the same fate could be about to befall international midfielders Arturo Vidal and Adrien Silva.

And, with his £135,000-a-week wages proving a drain on Barca’s already declining resources, Cadena Ser suggests Umtiti could be allowed to walk away from the Camp Nou for free – two years after he conquered the world with France.

“Samuel does not want to leave Barça this summer. However, taking into account the club’s desire to bring about change, it may be necessary to study alternative (destinations),” agent Yannick Um explains, with his client falling down the pecking order in Catalonia.

Umtiti’s representative admits the ex-Lyon ace would be interested in a return to his former employers.

But his comments align with that of OL coach Rudi Garcia, who suggested last week that the Ligue 1 outfit simply cannot afford to bring the 26-year-old back home.

Mundo Deportivo reported in July that Everton are interested too and, while Yerry Mina and Michael Keane impressed during Sunday’s 1-0 win at Tottenham, the Toffees are still yet to sign the established, top-class central defender Carlo Ancelotti is crying out for.

West Ham, meanwhile, have a history of ambitious, big-name additions a la Umtiti.

And, with a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle following a worrying pre-season, the Hammers are looking short of depth and quality in defensive areas.