Talents thwarted: Samuel Umtiti was poised for a great career, but a lingering injury has thwarted his talent

When Umtiti came to Barcelona, he was regarded as one of the greatest talents in the football world. The French defender also confirmed everything, but only until the knee injury that has accompanied him for several years made itself known for the first time. He never returned to his former form.

The talented Lyon stopper

Samuel Umtiti started his professional career at Lyon. At the age of 18, the young stopper was already getting his first opportunities in league matches and slowly gaining valuable experience.

A year later, however, Umtiti was already one of Lyon’s regulars. He played the vast majority of matches and his performances earned him an unshakable place in the starting line-up. All this lasted until 2016, when the big transfer happened.

Spanish side Barcelona showed interest in Umtiti and the Frenchman nodded to the offer without hesitation. Everything looked great. Umtiti played very well, the club respected their stopper and he was also very popular with the fans.

The knee that put Umtiti’s career on hold

Umtiti experienced his very first knee problem just two months after his transfer to Barcelona. However, it was nothing serious at the time and he healed the injury and continued to play.

The fatal problems came in 2018. Back then, the injury failed to heal as he was unable to function for weeks at a time after each return. Doctors were simply clueless and Umtiti lost 2018 and 2019.

Sadly, he missed the train for those two years. He lacked game practice, plus Barcelona logically got other stoppers. The French defender didn’t take advantage of the opportunities offered and never even came close to the performances he gave after his transfer. Barcelona suddenly stopped counting on their player.

In the summer of 2022, Umtiti was sent on loan to Lecce in Italy, where he would collect match practice. However, he is still waiting for his chance at the Italian club as other players are getting priority instead. Umtiti now has to watch most of the games from the bench.

Source: Livesport