Agent of Barcelona star reacts to failed transfer

Samuel Umtiti
Photo: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

French Ligue One side Rennes have been linked with a move for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.

However, Stade Rennais sporting director Florian Maurice revealed on Monday that the club’s move for Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti is now “on stand-by.”

Speaking during Steve Mandanda’s presentation as a Rennes player, which was transcribed by L’Équipe, Maurice denied disagreement with manager Bruno Genesio.

“There is no disagreement (over the Umtiti transfer). We can not be in agreement over certain deals, but my exchanges with Bruno have always been the same and we have known each other for some time now so we can exchange calmly,” said Maurice.

He added, “This deal is on stand-by. We’re making progress on other solutions for the time being.”

Rennes were very much interested in signing Umtiti, who has been injury-plagued in recent years.

Reports in Spain had initially stated that Umtiti was on the verge of returning to his homeland with Rennes, but Mundo Deportivo claimed that he had failed a medical with the Ligue 1 side.

However, Umtiti’s agent, Arturo Canales, contacted the Catalan outlet to inform them that this story was false.

Umtiti later wrote in a social media post: “When the lie takes the elevator, the truth takes the stairs, it takes longer, but it always ends up arriving.”