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What's the story?
Paris St-Germain may be all set to trigger the release clause of Barcelona defender Samuel Umititi, and thus rival Manchester United in a move for the Frenchman, according to a report in British news outlet, The Daily Star. Having already stolen Neymar away in an incredible €222 million deal in the summer, PSG could raid Barcelona yet again, but may choose to tempt Barcelona with a swap deal for Angel di Maria instead, so as to comply with FFP rules. The Ligue 1 champions are confident that they will be able to outbid Manchester United's wage offer, coupled with a move back to France that could swing the battle for Umtiti's signature in their favour.
Also Read: The transformation of Samuel Umtiti into Barcelona's pillar of strength
In case you didn't know...
Umtiti spent the majority of his youth career at Olympique Lyonnais, joining the club at the tender age of 8. He spent 10 years in the youth system, before graduating to the senior team in 2011, making his debut in 2012, at the age of 18. In total, Umtiti made 170 appearances for Lyon over 5 seasons, being voted the club's 'Player of the Year' in his final season, ahead of Alexandre Lacazette. Barcelona parted with €25 million ahead of the 2016/17 season for the Frenchman's services, and he has quickly become one of the Blaugrana's mainstays in defence.
The heart of the matter
News of Samuel Umtiti's injury was met with plenty of anguish by Barcelona fans - so crucial has the Frenchman been to the Blaugrana's storming start to the season. Comfortably the best defender in La Liga this season, Umtiti's performances have not gone unnoticed. Manchester United have been alerted to the Frenchman's paltry release fee of €60 million, with Jose Mourinho hoping to add a ball-playing centre-back to his defence.
PSG boss Unai Emery has reportedly pleaded with the club's hierarchy for a top-class partner for Thiago Silva, as Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe have not fulfilled their potential. Umtiti's Lyon heritage will not be an obstacle, as the Ligue 1 giants are willing to make him one of their highest earners with an eye on a UEFA Champions League trophy.
PSG are hopeful that they can force a sale in January by tempting Barcelona into a swap deal, with Angel di Maria, Leo Messi's compatriot, moving the other way.
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Author's Take:
Barcelona's foolhardiness when it comes to relatively low release clauses might come back to haunt them yet again. Samuel Umtiti could blossom into one of the best centre-backs in the world - and €60 million seems a snip. If they are resigned to losing the Frenchman, Barca would be better off accepting the deal to sign Angel di Maria, as they still have plenty of cash in the bank from the Neymar sale to purchase another centre-back.
