Despite signing a new Barcelona contract, Samuel Umtiti has continued to be linked with a move to Newcastle United.
With the Magpies desperate for defensive reinforcements and big names being linked everyday, it was no surprise to see Umtiti become a rumoured ‘target’.
Talk of the Frenchman joining Newcastle emerged in December, but it looked like those rumours were put to bed last week.
Umtiti signed a new deal at the Nou Camp on reduced terms, keeping him at Barcelona until 2026 and allowing them to register new arrival Ferran Torres.
However, the Umtiti to Newcastle talk has continued.
The Daily Mail claimed last week that the Magpies had the option of signing the 28-year-old on loan. Alas, that definitely won’t be happening now.
Samuel Umtiti injury means he won’t be coming to Newcastle…
The France international has been plagued with fitness problems since he joined Barcelona in 2016.
Those woes have continued shortly after his contract extension. Barca have confirmed that Umtiti is set to have surgery after fracturing his metatarsal in training.
It has been reported in Spain that he could miss three months of action.
That basically ends his season, and means there’s absolutely no chance of him coming to Newcastle – not that it was a realistic possibility anyway.
Umtiti is one of many big names to be linked with the Magpies. But big names aren’t going to want to come to St James’ Park right now. And they’re not what we need anyway.
We need players who are going to fight for the badge – not Hollywood signings who only come for the pay cheque. We need warriors, not mercenaries.
Umtiti’s injury record has always been a concern too, and once again those fears have been proven right.
Newcastle need centre-backs this month, but Umtiti never felt like a legitimate target. Now this injury puts those rumours to bed once and for all.
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