FC Barcelona has reached a mutual agreement with defender Samuel Umtiti to terminate his contract, which was originally set to run until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, club statment confirms.
Umtiti has experienced an injury-free season in Italy, where he appears to have regained his peak form in all aspects of his game. Following a challenging final phase at Barça, marred by recurring fitness problems, he has participated in 25 matches for Lecce.
He joined Barcelona in 2016 from Olympique Lyon, his lifelong club until that point. During his best years, he formed an exceptional partnership in the heart of the blaugrana defense with Gerard Piqué, and both were regular starters.
After winning the World Cup with France in 2018, injuries started to impede his remarkable progress. His presence on the field became less consistent, ultimately leading him to seek more playing time in Italy.
Having secured two league titles and three cups, Samuel Umtiti is now completely parting ways with Barça.