Former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti is preparing to retire at the age of just 31, after being released by Lille in June.
Umtiti’s career has been haunted by chronic knee problems before, during and after his time in Catalonia from 2016 to 2022.
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The former France international was only able to start two Ligue 1 games in two seasons at Lille, after undergoing two more knee surgeries following his return to France.
When his contract expired after the 2025/26 season, Lille released him as a free agent, and no offers have been made for the 31-year-old.
His loan spell at Serie A club Lecce from Barcelona in 2022/23 had sparked optimism for a return to full fitness, but his knee has consistently proved problematic.
Umtiti was brought to Barcelona as one of Europe’s highest-rated young defenders at the age of 23, as part of a €25 million transfer from Lyon.
His first two seasons under Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde were positive, with a La Liga title won under the latter in 2017/18, followed by FIFA World Cup gold with France that summer.
However, the following four seasons were filled with injuries, and the club gave him a free transfer last summer after losing faith that he could return to the top level.
According to reports from L’Equipe, Umtiti has set an ultimatum deadline for his future until September 10, which will determine whether he continues as an active player or not.
If no club transfer is offered by this date, he can retire and end his football career.
The report claims that Umtiti and his representatives have considered some offers, but none have appealed enough to give a positive response at this stage.
Rumoured interest from the Saudi Arabian professional league continues, but Umtiti’s preferred choice is probably to remain in France after he recently became a father.
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