Folch: Umtiti, another centre-back that has to 'prove his innocence'

The signing of Samuel Umtiti has been announced just one day before the awaited press conference of the Barça president this Thursday at midday. His arrival was expected, but it is surprising that it has been leaked a few days before his probable debut in Euro 2016, and against the wishes of the French national team coach who would have wanted the news to be kept secret until after the tournament.

The truth is that, for Barça, the announcement is a relief, because they can finally boast of a signing, in a summer in which players had departed for free (Dani Alves and Sandro) or at low cost (Bartra). Within the club, there are few doubts about the footballing abilities of the French international, but the same was said when Thomas Vermaelen was signed, a player who is no longer wanted and awaits to be offloaded to another team in the coming weeks.

At this point, we can say that any central defender that arrives at Barça has to 'prove his innocence'. With Pique as untouchable, and with the Mascherano situation on its way to being resolved, Umtiti arrives to form part of the backup pairing with Mathieu. He has everything to be a good substitute, youth (22-year-old), good prospect for the future, attitude and a prestige gained in the French league.

Everything, except the price: 'L'Equipe' have reported that the deal will cost Barça 30 million euros, plus around five million euros more in add-ons. A very respectable sum, and in any case, a figure much higher than was speculated during negotiations. That is to say, that Barça again try their luck with a centre-back and again pay a high price.

For any player, the cost of their signing can inevitably become the sword of Damocles and these 30 million euros do not exactly benefit the French defender, as they will appear on the horizon every time he makes a mistake. Despite this, he does have the age factor in his favour, which generates excitement (for the future) and encourages people to have patience with him.

Now it is inevitable to remember Marc Bartra, who was homegrown, left for eight million euros and has been replaced by a player that costs 30, leaving a sum from these transactions of minus 22 million euros. That said, Robert Fernandez does now have his first intake of oxygen and the president Josep Maria Bartomeu will begin his press conference with an ace up his sleeve.