After having his contract terminated at Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti has made a return to France after signing for Lille.
The French international has returned to Ligue 1 after a seven-year absence and was announced by the club on Saturday. He arrives as a free agent after his contract with the Catalan club was terminated, three years ahead of its expiry
“LOSC announces the signing of Samuel Umtiti,” read a statement on the club’s official website, adding: “The 29-year-old defender, 2018 world champion, has signed with the club until 2025.”
“I’m very happy to become part of this group and this club. I’ve waited for this moment for a long time and I’m very happy that it’s happening. I’ve always liked the president’s ambitious speeches and the people at the club,” Umtiti said, adding: “I share those same values of ambition, hard work, and competitiveness. I’ve grown up with this winning culture and I hope to bring that winning mentality to the club.”
The defender’s time in Catalonia had been blighted by recurring knee injuries, which he had played through in order to help France win the World Cup back in 2018 – notably scoring the winner in the semi-final against Belgium. His last international cap came in 2019.
During his loan spell at Lecce this past season, Umtiti enjoyed his first full season in five years and was crucial in helping the Apulians stay up in Serie A. He will now continue his career recovery as part of Paulo Fonseca’s Lille side, who are set to play in the Conference League next season.