Umtiti at Lecce it’s one of those Football Manager deals, that market hit to brag to friends about the next day. This time, however, it’s all true, Samuel will be Giallorossi in real football. In Serie A. A hit smelled and scored in a few days: arrives on loan with an engagement of 4.8 million euros paid entirely by Barcelona, in exchange for some bonuses related to safety and presence of the player.
THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING – The idea was born during a meeting with agent Arturo Canales to talk about Joan Gonzalez, his other client who arrived in Lecce a year ago from Barça and who made his debut against Inter from the first minute: “What if we try to do Umtiti?“. Corvino’s eyes shine, he can really get there. From that moment the contacts became more and more intense, until two days ago the definitive okay from Barcelona arrived.
THE ENTHUSIASM – Umtiti wanted to turn the page and start from scratch, he is convinced that the enthusiasm that exists in Lecce can make him smile again. The visiting card of the Giallorossi was the match against Inter: Umtiti followed her closely even if from a distance, Baroni’s team nearly equalized – Dumfries’ goal in the 95th minute – but in that game something snapped in the defender’s head. A phone call to the agent, the desire to pack up and leave for Italy: “Yes, Lecce is the right place“.
DESCHAMPS – The Giallorossi have overcome the competition of Italian, Spanish and French clubs and are ready to embrace the ’93 class. After a difficult period in Barcelona with only two appearances and a thousand physical problems in the last season, Samuel is determined to return to high levels. The call from the national team coach Deschamps also came from France: “If you get back in shape, I’ll take you to the World Cup“. One more incentive to do well. Motivation is not lacking, Umtiti can’t wait to meet his new teammates and take the field.