With the exception of his stint at Lecce in 2018, the former Barcelona center-back has found it difficult to sustain regular playing time since 2018. He now hopes to make a return with Lille, where his contract expires in June.
Two noteworthy updates about Lille’s players have given them a boost: Nabil Bentaleb, a 30-year-old Algerian midfielder, and Samuel Umtiti, a 31-year-old French defender, have returned to squad training. Umtiti had not practiced with his teammates since February 2024 because of a knee ailment, and Bentaleb suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest in June 2024. In his prime, the 2018 World Cup champion, who cost €25 million to acquire from Lyon in 2016, was a vital member of the French team at Barcelona. Now, he must contend with another attempt to rekindle his career.
Umtiti had surgery on his left knee in February 2024 to remove a problematic piece of cartilage after joining Lille in August 2023 after some promising performances at Lecce. He was only able to play two games between December 2023 and the surgery: one against fourth-tier Racing de Paris in the French Cup and another in the Conference League.
Physical problems have plagued Umtiti’s career ever since his magnificent performance at the 2018 World Cup, where he was a key member of the side that won the title. He has had a difficult journey, going from playing 70 official games as a Barcelona regular starter from 2016 to 2018 to making just one appearance in his final season (2021–2022). He only appeared to reclaim some of his previous form during his 25 appearances during the 2022–2023 season at Lecee, but this comeback was short-lived in 2024.
Lille attempted to rejoin with Umtiti in the summer of 2023. Umtiti had excelled in Ligue 1, playing 170 games for the team from 2011 to 2016 and even captaining Lyon at the age of just 22. Although he offered some optimism, Umtiti’s former Lille coach before a brief spell at Milan, Paulo Fonseca, said that it was hard to tell when he would return to action. He said, “he will surely be able to play again,” which held a touch of uncertainty.
Umtiti is battling to stay involved in football, and at age 31, he plans to try again. After receiving medical clearance, his return to the field is now contingent upon his current coach Bruno Génésio determining that he is ready. Based on previous experiences, the most difficult part will be managing his return to competitive action and precisely timing his comeback. He has till the end of his contract in June with Lille.
