Franco-Cameroonian defender Samuel Umtiti set to announce retirement

France international of Cameroonian descent Samuel Umtiti is set to announce his retirement from professional football despite avalanche of offers on his table.

The former Barcelona star is currently without a club following his departure from Lille at the expiration of his contract with the side.

Umtiti has attracted significant interest from clubs in the Middle Eastern, but is currently uncertain about his football career.

The defender, who soldiered through France’s victorious 2018 World Cup campaign, despite a knee injury, has been paying for it ever since. His international career came to an end one year later, and his knee problems have limited his game time at club level ever since.

In 2024, he underwent two bouts of surgery, and has since not played active football since January 2024.

Despite being spotted at former club, Olympique Lyonnais, Umtiti is not expected to sign for the club. The former Barcelona star is now set to put an end to his illustrious 13-year football career.