Benfica considering fresh approach for Samuel Umtiti after injury to Lucas Verissimo | OneFootball

Benfica are considering a move for Barcelona benchwarmer Samuel Umtiti after the serious injury suffered by their Brazilian centre-back Lucas Verissimo according to Mundo Deportivo.

Verissimo suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee last Sunday, meaning he’ll have to undergo surgery and will most likely miss the rest of the season. Due to this, they’ll go the market in January and Umtiti is already in their sights.

The Portuguese outfit went for Umtiti last summer too, with discussions around a €10m move taking place before the centre-back made it clear he had no desire to leave Camp Nou.

Umtiti still hopes to force his way back into the Barcelona starting lineup, with the recent arrival of Xavi as coach giving him the idea of beginning again with a clean slate. Whether he’ll be able to be convinced to depart for pastures new is unknown.

Verissimo joined Benfica at the beginning of 2021, in the winter market, and was in Brazil’s squad for this international break. The selecao face Colombia and Argentina over the next week. Benfica are third in the Primeira Liga, and third in Champions League Group E – two points, of course, behind Barcelona.