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Report: Newcastle could move to sign ‘world-class’ World Cup winner on loan if PIF fail with big-money deals
Newcastle United remain on the hunt for a new central defender this month and have placed Barcelona man, Samuel Umtiti, on a list of potential loan options.
Umtiti, 28, recently penned a new contract with Barcelona in order to help them drag out his salary over a longer period of time. However, he is still expected to move on from the club, with a January move possible. Newcastle have already been sounded out as a potential destination for Umtiti.
However, it is widely known that the club are working harder on deals for players such as Diego Carlos and Sven Botman. But according to the , Umtiti remains an option on loan, should Newcastle fail in their big money pursuits.
Umtiti has played just a single game for Barcelona this season. He in a 2-2 draw with Osasuna in December, but hasn’t been seen since. Barca paid around for Umtiti in 2016. Despite his miserable time since his arrival, he is a World Cup winner, having been part of the 2018 France squad.
‘world-class’ by former France and Barca star Eric Abidal before his move to Spain, Umtiti hasn’t quite lived up to the billing.
TBR’s View: Newcastle Can Do Better Than Umtiti
As an emergency back up, Samuel Umtiti isn’t a bad option. But surely, given their vast finances, the Magpies can find someone more suited?
This is a player who has hardly played. He’s sat around at Barcelona for nearly six seasons now. Of course, he has had a few injury problems. But in the main, it’s been an absolute nightmare move for him.
Of all the defenders Newcastle are linked with, Umtiti is the most underwhelming. Lack of games, fitness issues, and a club who don’t really care if he moves on all point to this being a risky play by PIF.