La Liga expert can’t believe Newcastle could sign Umtiti in January after £17m update
Kevin Campbell has suggested Newcastle should not pursue a deal for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti in January.
The former Arsenal striker, who delivered weekly punditry for La Liga TV last season, was speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
According to the Sun (27 December), Newcastle are lining up a £17million move for Umtiti, 28, as they look to shore up their leaky rearguard in January.
The report suggests current club Barcelona are keen to clear the defender’s mammoth £220,000-a-week salary from the wage bill.
Umtiti has failed to make more than 14 La Liga appearances in each of the last three seasons.
Campbell claimed the Magpies should steer clear of the Frenchman on account of his struggles with injury.
“Injuries are a real issue for Umtiti,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Throughout his time at Barcelona, the issue hasn’t been with his quality, it’s been with his health.
“Sometimes the best ability is availability. Newcastle should be looking to sign players who will be available regularly, and Umtiti has really struggled at times just to be healthy.
“Can I see that happening, especially for that price? No, I can’t – to be honest.”
Umtiti was an integral part of the France squad that lifted the 2018 World Cup after beating Croatia in the final.
The former Lyon defender has been plagued with injuries during his spell at the Nou Camp.
Newcastle have shipped the joint-most Premier League goals this season with 42.
Umtiti, who has made just one league appearance this term, is out of contract in the summer of 2023.
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