Ever since his move from Lyon to Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti has made a name for himself in world football, rising to become one of the best young defenders in the game.
The French international knows that his release clause is low (€60 million) and that could be triggered anytime, with top European clubs like Manchester United interested in signing him, but he is happy to stay at Barca.
Speaking in an interview with Canal Football Club, he said, “My clause is low, everyone is conscious of that. It’s something that affects me but it doesn’t interest me.
“The truth is that there is interest from various clubs. But, once more, I’ve got so many objectives to reach at Barcelona that I’m not thinking about it. Everything goes very fast in this world. All I can say is that I’m really happy.”
The 24-year-old made it clear that no talks have taken place with other clubs. “This isn’t something I want to talk about too much. Nothing has started yet,” he said.
Umtiti is a regular starter for Ernesto Valverde‘s unbeaten La Liga leaders and forms a defensive partnership with club legend Gerard Pique.
“It was my dream to play at Barca. And I achieved it when I was just 22. I’m very happy here, whenever I play and whenever I train,” said Umtiti, adding that his best moment in a Blaugrana shirt was that historic 6-1 comeback against PSG in last season’s Champions League last 16 clash.
“The ‘Remontada’ against PSG is my favourite moment at this club. It showed that we can do anything. It was something very special.
“In fact, when I went to Paris after that game, and I wanted to enter a restaurant, they told me there are no tables available, when actually the entire restaurant was empty (laughs).”
Meanwhile, the hulking defender also talked about his international teammate Antoine Griezmann, who has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou.
Asked about his fellow Frenchman, Umtiti added: “Griezmann to Barca? I am an agent now? (laughs). Yes, we did talk about it.
“I asked Griezmann what he thought of Barca and everything about the club. As any other player, he said only good things.
“All players at the level of Antoine dream of playing here. If Griezmann comes, we will have to play with six attackers.”