Transfer Centre

Ernesto Valverde: 'I expect Samuel Umtiti to stay at Barcelona'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 January 2018

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says that he expects Samuel Umtiti to remain at Camp Nou, despite acknowledging the defender's release clause.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has acknowledged that Samuel Umtiti has a release clause in his contract, but still expects the defender to commit his future to the Spanish club.

Umtiti has been linked with a move to either Manchester United or Manchester City, who are seemingly prepared to meet the fee of £53m which will allow either club to speak to the French international.

However, while admitting that Umtiti may appear "cheap", the manager of the Catalan giants does not expect the player to leave for the Premier League.

The 53-year-old told reporters: "It's true that when you put a price with the clause it could be that in three years that clause will seem cheap.

"But we have to remember the main thing - if a club pay the clause the player has to want to leave. That's the key thing. We are happy with Umtiti and he is happy playing for Barcelona. He will stay a long time here."

Umtiti has made 62 appearances for Barca since signing from Lyon ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.