Samuel Umtiti, a Lecce player on loan from FC Barcelona, is starting to get some playing time with his new team. His teammates are delighted with his arrival, according to Joan Gonzáalez in an interview for 'AS'.

"His experience here is unmatched by anyone else, and what's more, he has a lot of enthusiasm. He gives a lot of courage to the team. He tries to motivate us. It's a great benefit for the dressing room," said the Barcelona youth academy player.

Joan Gonzalez spoke about the world champion's attitude: "It was exciting to see him arrive in Lecce. A world champion could come here as if he feels he's overdone it, but he's been the opposite. He came here to work, he wants to get back into the rhythm. He's doing it. That's what he's doing. He's humble, he's hard-working, he wants to help, he comes to you and tells you what you can do better based on his experience. He talks a lot and it's a huge help".

"With him, getting the ball out is easy, he has the quality to get it out, so we look for it. Then, in defence, he has a lot of skill to help those of us who have less," commented the Spaniard.

Umtiti has played 179 minutes for the Italian side in two games. The Frenchman is having trouble getting into rythm, given that he did not have much playing time at the end of his time at Barça. At the end of the season, there is a possibility that he could return to Xavi Hernandez's side, as there is no option to buy him.

30 Jun2025	Lecce	-	Retired
01 Jul2022	Lecce U19	Lecce	Transfer
19 Aug2021	Barcelona Academy	Lecce U19	Free transfer

Joan Gonzàlez

Transfer History