Liverpool fans were eyeing a summer deal for Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti.
Liverpool fans’ hopes of signing Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti this summer in a mega deal have been scuppered as the top-quality centre-back has finally signed a new deal with the Catalan club.
It was widely reported that Barca were left in a tricky spot regarding Umtiti as a buyout clause in the region of £50 million meant he was a desirable target for several of the Premier League’s top teams.
His progression at the Nou Camp since his move from Lyon has surprised many as most hadn’t anticipated the defender becoming such a valuable player for the club in such a short space of time.
The 24-year-old is now regarded as one of the best central defenders in Europe, therefore his buyout clause – which was deemed much lower than his true valuation – has prompted Barca to act.
But the Catalan club wouldn’t have wanted to raise his wages so much as they look to accommodate the club’s stellar stars such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, but they may have ultimately had little choice.
Don Balon reported in April how Liverpool were among the leading candidates to potentially nab the defender from Barcelona, with the France international at the time said to be unsettled.
Liverpool supporters would have been dreaming of a potential centre-back partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Umtiti, as such a formidable duo with years ahead of them would have given the Reds the platform at the back to make a real assault on both the Premier League title and the Champions League.
Unfortunately for the Reds fans, Umtiti has pledged his long-term future to Barca with a new five-year deal and Liverpool are left with pondering potential other options to replace the inconsistent Dejan Lovren.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
