Umtiti has had a challenging few years. His first two seasons at Camp Nou were incredible; he looked and performed like one of the best centre-backs in all European football. He originally moved to Barcelona from Lyon in the summer of 2016. He contributed to France's victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but when he returned, he sustained an injury that has severely reduced his playing time ever since.
Umtiti was never going to earn game-time at Barcelona this season – Xavi Hernandez has Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia in his position. Going on loan is a chance for him to prove he can still compete in the elite and hopefully secure a permanent transfer in 2023.