Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has lost out on one of his top summer transfer targets, as Samuel Umtiti has signed a new five-year deal with Barcelona.
With reports the powerful Frenchman could not agree a contract extension with Barca, there were claims in the media which suggested Mourinho was ready to activate hive low £53 million release clause and tempt the defender to Old Trafford.
It is no secret Mourinho is actively seeking a whole new defence as he has not been impressed with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw over the course of the season.
But it seems he will not be closing in on a deal for Umtiti, now Barcelona have confirmed the Frenchman has signed a five-year deal with the club.
The club announced: “We are delighted to announce @samumtiti has renewed his contract at @FCBarcelona until 2023!”
Despite all the speculation and transfer rumours surrounding his future, Umtiti confirmed last week that he wanted to sign a new contract with Barca, telling L’Equipe: “It is clear that I want to renew my contract at Barcelona and I hope to be with the team next season.
“I’m at a club that allowed me to realise my dream of playing there.
“I’m still under contract at the moment. So for me to leave, either they throw me out the door or I decide to leave.”