Having signed the majority of their transfer targets this summer, Barcelona will shift their focus towards the outgoings over the next few days as they need to clear out the deadwood from the squad and clear up space on the wage bill.
Oscar Mingueza and Neto are already on their way out, with the former likely to join Celta Vigo and the latter headed to Napoli. That leaves the Catalans to deal with the futures of Riqui Puig, Martin Braithwaite and Samuel Umtiti.
And, if a fresh report from ESPN is to be believed, Barcelona could soon be set to move on Samuel Umtiti from their books. As per the report, officials from Greek outfit Olympiacos are set to arrive in Barcelona on Monday in order to negotiate the signing of the French defender.
Umtiti has been out of favour at Camp Nou for the major part of the last two years. The 28-year-old defender played just one game all season last time out and has been told by manager Xavi Hernandez that he has no place on the roster.
A move to French club Rennes was close to being finalised earlier this summer but ended up falling through. However, Barça have now been given fresh hopes that they can get rid of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Olympiacos’ officials will arrive in Catalonia on Monday as they look to secure the services of Umtiti on a year-long long. The major point during the discussions is likely to be the share of Frenchman’s wages that the Greek outfit will have to bear.
The former Lyon defender’s injury record and wages have previously been a hindrance in the Blaugrana’s efforts to sell him. The centre-half did reduce his wages when he signed a new deal in January. And Barça will now hope that talks with Olympiacos progress well and yield the desired result.