As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Benfica willing to pay cash to sign Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti

Benfica are closing on a deal for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.

Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur reports Benfica would be willing to spend up to 10 million euros to acquire the services of the French centre back this summer.

Konur has stated that Benfica manager Jorge Jesús has asked the board to sign another left-sided centre back, with ex-Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen's injury leaving him short on options in his preferred 3-4-3 system. The Lisbon club are understood to be willing to pay up to 10 million euros for the Barça player.

Umtiti was booed in his last outing by pockets of fans, and the player is understood to be unhappy with his reception. This may have been a decisive factor in convincing the player to seek pastures new.

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free