Samuel Umtiti signs five-year contract extension at Barcelona

FC Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has banished reports of a move to Manchester United by signing a five-year contract extension at Camp Nou.

Umtiti joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2016, and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Catalans’ backline.

His talents have not gone unnoticed, with United boss Jose Mourinho an apparent admirer as he looks to rebuild the Red Devils defence this summer.

But in the face of transfer speculation the France international has opted to commit himself to the Blaugrana until 2023.

“Barcelona and the player Samuel Umtiti have reached an agreement for the renewal of a contract that will bind both parties for the next five seasons,” Barca signalled in a statement released on Sunday.

“The act of signing will take place Monday, at 10 a.m. in the Camp Nou, and later the player will speak to the media.

“A great piece of news for the Barcelona fans, Samuel Umtiti will continue to wear the Cule shirt until 2023.”

Umtiti has racked up 83 appearances for Barca in all competitions to date, scoring two goals.

In his debut season he lifted the Copa del Rey, a feat he repeated in 2017-18 along with La Liga as Barcelona completed a domestic double in Spain.

He is part of France’s 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia and is expected to start alongside Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane at centre-half.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe last week, Umtiti said: “It is clear that I want to renew my contract at Barcelona and I hope to be with the team next season.

“I’m at a club that allowed me to realise my dream of playing there.

“I’m still under contract at the moment. So for me to leave, either they throw me out the door or I decide to leave.”