Umtiti wants Dembele at Barcelona
Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti is keen to team up with Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele at Camp Nou in 2017-18.
Samuel Umtiti says he would welcome Borussia Dortmund attacker Ousmane Dembele with open arms if his compatriot were to make the move to Barcelona.
Dembele was heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou last year but eventually opted to join BVB instead, feeling he had a better chance of regular first-team action at Signal Iduna Park.
The 20-year-old has quickly become a key figure at Dortmund, scoring 10 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions, and recent reports suggest Barcelona continue to keep a close eye on him.
"I know that Barcelona are interested in him," Umtiti told L'Equipe.
"But all parties involved will have to reach an agreement. He would bring a lot to Barcelona with the quality he possesses and with the things he is capable of. I would welcome him with open arms.
"But I have not been discussing it with him. I will talk to him about it if and when it becomes official.
"Barcelona already wanted him last year and he knows what to expect. We will have to wait and see what happens.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"He is always welcome at my place, I will happily look after him."
Dembele has a contract with Dortmund until June 2021.
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023