Barcelona World Cup winner wanted by Milan

Stuart Telford

• 23 Feb 2023 09:00 CST
• 3 min read

Barcelona's French World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti, currently on loan at Lecce, is wanted by AC Milan according to reports in Italy.

Umtiti was a cornerstone of the France team that lifted the World Cup in Russia in 2018, but he went to the tournament carrying an injury and hasn't managed 20 league appearances in a single campaign since.

After four frustrating seasons at Barca - having had two injury-free ones between 2016 and 2018 - Umtiti was allowed to leave on loan to Lecce at the start of this season.

READ: Umtiti admits relief at 'peace and quiet' after Barcelona exit

The former Lyon man has re-found his form of old at the Stadio Via del mare, and the Giallorossi are interested in making his move permanent, but they can't afford anything like the €20 million a year he gets per his Barca contract.

Umtiti's Camp Nou deal expires in June 2026, but the Blaugrana want to let him leave on a free this summer in order to lighten their wage bill. No transfer fee might be a bonus for Lecce - but now Milan have entered the fray.

Umtiti available for free?

"Barcelona are pushing for the termination of Umtiti's contract, relying on the former Lyon man's physical problems to justify the move," report CalcioMercatoWeb.

"It is almost certain Umiti will be available on a free transfer and Lecce would like to keep him, but Milan have a concrete interest in a deal. They would insist, however, that the defender settles for a lower salary."

READ: Milan slap €100m price tag on Chelsea and Man Utd-target Rafa Leao

Milan's current top earner is Ismael Bennacer, who earns €7m a season in northern Italy. The Rossoneri are willing to make Rafa Leao their highest-paid player should he sign a new contract, but Umtiti's existing income is far above their salary ceiling.

Umtiti is rated at €11m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, but Milan - or indeed any other suitor - will wait until he is available on a free transfer given their knowledge of Barca's financial situation.