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Barcelona news: The staggering amount Man Utd would have to pay to sign Samuel Umtiti
BARCELONA have inserted a £439million release clause into Samuel Umtiti’s new contract to put off suitors, including Manchester United.
Before putting pen to paper on a fresh five-year deal, Manchester United had been eyeing a deal for the Frenchman.
Jose Mourinho was exploring a move and saw Umtiti as the perfect player to strengthen his defence.
But Umtiti’s new deal has come with an eye-watering buyout clause worth £439m which was confirmed by Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
And upon signing the contract extension, Umtiti said: “I’m very proud to renew with Barca.
“From my very first day here, I felt like I was at home, and now I want to stay here for much longer.
I just couldn’t leave. This is my home
“I’m very happy here. With the city and the team, I’ve earned everyone’s trust.
“I just couldn’t leave. This is my home.
“My dream is to continue playing on the best team in the world. I’m very proud to renew.”
After seeing Umtiti commit his future to the Catalan giants, United will have to look elsewhere.
Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are on Mourinho’s wishlist as doubts persist over Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.