Report: Why Samuel Umtiti turned down Liverpool for Barcelona stay

According to Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti did not want to join Liverpool in the January transfer window. It has been reported by the Spanish news outlet that Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards wanted to bring Umtiti to Anfield.

However, according to the report, the 27-year-old central defender did not want make the switch to defending Premier League champions Liverpool. The France international wants to regain his place in the Barcelona starting lineup. Umtiti’s stance saw Liverpool signed Ben Davies from Preston North End and Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke on transfer deadline day.

Umtiti has made three starts and two substitute appearances in La Liga for Barcelona and has played 35 minutes in the Champions League for Liverpool so far this season, according to WhoScored.