Samuel Umtiti Addresses Damaging Claims Failed Medical Led to Collapse of Ligue 1 Move

• Ligue 1 side Rennes reportedly turned away from a deal involving Samuel Umtiti after the Frenchman failed a medical
• Umtiti is considered surplus to requirements at Barcelona by Xavi
• The 27-year old was heavily linked with a move baack to the Ligue 1, with Rennes his most likely destination

Samuel Umtiti has taken to social media with a subtle response to reports suggesting his move to Ligue 1 side Rennes collapsed.

Barcelona were highly optimistic that they would be able to free up their wage bill further by securing the sale of Umtiti, whose spell with the Catalan club has been hampered by injuries.

Everything was in place for Umtiti to move back to Ligue 1, but that deal appears to have calmed in recent days.

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On Tuesday, July 12, Catalunya Radio, via Robin Bairner then made some sensational claims that Umtiti had in fact, failed a medical, and the move to Rennes had ultimately broken down.

In the following hours after the reports, Umtiti took to social media with a ‘not so subtle’ message about the stunning reports.

“When the lie takes the lift, the truth takes the stairs, it takes more time, but it always ends up arriving.” The Frenchman shared on his Instagram stories.

If it is indeed true that Umtiti failed his medical, it will likely leave him at pains in finding a new club.

Xavi recently made it clear that the 28-year-old was not part of the team’s long-term plans, and Umtiti was among four Barcelona superstars who were instructed to find new clubs.

Dembele ends speculation by penning new deal at Barca

Elsewhere, French international winger Ousmane Dembele, whose contract with Barcelona expired last month, ended six months of speculation about his future by agreeing to 'rejoin' the Catalan side until 2024, the club announced on Thursday.

Manchester United completed their swoop for Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia on Tuesday as Erik ten Hag made his first signing since taking charge at Old Trafford.

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"FC Barcelona and the player Ousmane Dembele have reached an agreement for a contract until 30 June 2024," said a statement on the club website.

The announcement brings an end to a six-month soap opera about where the 25-year-old would be playing his football next season.