Welcome to the Ch'tis. On July 22, 2023, Samuel Umtiti definitively left FC Barcelona to join Lille. We do not know if the 2018 world champion cried with joy when he arrived in the north of France, but we are certain that he will leave the heart filled with memories and beautiful images. However, everything was not a pleasure for Big Sam. After a generally successful loan on the side of Lecce in Italy, the defender wanted to resume the thread of his career and show that his injuries were only a distant memory. But he was once again betrayed by his body.
An experience upset by injuries
During his first season, in 2023-24, the native of Yaoundé participated in 5 games in all competitions before being stopped in his momentum by a concussion. Stop for 10 days (2 missed games), he then took part in 8 games. He was also sometimes on the bench without going into play. In the end, his season ended in early February 2024 due to a knee injury. Umtiti therefore displayed a balance sheet of 13 games played (710 minutes of play). Which was necessarily disappointing for the footballer, who worked a lot to be in good shape.
In 2024-25, Umtiti began his season at the infirmary to recover from his injury. An injury which finally moved him from the field for 364 days (53 missed games in all competitions). Back in training, the Frenchman was with angels, just like his president Olivier Létang, who had delighted the fact that he resumed the race. But many wondered if the former Player of Olympique Lyonnais could help his family during the end of the season. The LOSC boss had admitted that he knew nothing about it.
Big Sam is available
“Will he one day report the Lille jersey?” It is too early to say. We let him work quietly. We accompany him so that he can come back quiet. Today, I am unable to tell you if he can come back and when he can come back. He simply trains in Luchin. “ Four months later, we had the answer to this question. Unfortunately, Umtiti could not replay in the Lille jersey. Quickly after his return, he was hit in the calf. This required 75 days of absence (12 missed matches). Then, Bruno Genesio left him on the bench without bringing him into play during the matches against OM (May 4), Brest (May 10) and Reims (May 17). He finished the season without playing the slightest match.
What left little doubts about his future in Lille, who announced his departure. Soon officially free and on the market, Umtiti is preparing for a new challenge, he who has experienced complicated moments in recent seasons. Regarding its future destination, no track has filtered for the moment in the media. Contacted by us, those around him also did not wish to speak on this subject. For his part, the player also retains silence. Its last media outing dates back to June 4, during an operation with Orange on the management of its screen time. LOSC has already turned the page. Number 14, which Big Sam wore, was recovered by the recruit Marius Broholm. At 31, Umtiti will have to make a new start, he who plays big.
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