SAMUEL UMTITI has agreed to extend his Barcelona contract until 2026.
The Frenchman has taken a pay cut which will allow the Catalan giants to register Ferran Torres in line with LaLiga's financial fair play rules.
Umtiti, 28, has been heavily linked with a Nou Camp departure in recent months but has agreed to prolong his stay.
He had a year and a half left on his deal.
A Barca statement on Monday read: "FC Barcelona and Samuel Umtiti have reached an agreement to extend his contract until 30 June 2026.
"The French defender is reducing a part of the salary that he was due to receive in the year and a half remaining on his contract.
"Through this contract extension, FC Barcelona will be able to increase its ‘financial fair play’ quota and thus register Ferran Torres with the Spanish Professional Football League."
Torres, 21, sealed his £55million move from Manchester City to the Nou Camp in December, with the versatile star boasting a whopping ONE BILLION EURO release clause.
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But just days later, Barca boss Xavi sensationally revealed he could not be registered due to the cash-strapped club's precarious financial state.
It was a similar situation to when the club brought in the likes of Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero during the summer transfer window.
Depay and Garcia were finally registered on August 14 after Gerard Pique agreed to take a pay cut.
Meanwhile Aguero was registered on August 31 after Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also agreed to lower their weekly wages.
'SPECTACULAR SIGNING'
Xavi said: "Ferran Torres is a spectacular signing, both as a player and a person.
"He's coming off an important injury, he has fantastic commitment, he's going to give us a lot, I've no doubt about it.
"He can play in different positions, I'm very happy with the effort made by the club to get him.
"We'll see how the salary cap situation is, if it's possible right away. There has to be players leaving.
"If we get Dembele to resign his contract and lower his pay it will allow us to sign Torres and we hope that it can happen.
“His greatest virtue is his personality, he's very ambitious, excited, implicated with a high commitment, you can see it in his eyes.
"The mentality he has is tremendous, hopefully you will be able to see it soon. He can adapt to three attack positions in attack, he's a manager's dream.
"He can score goals, aerial abilities, he's a very complete player. He's going to help us without a shadow of a doubt.
"His mentality, his commitment. He goes well upside down, wins duels. He really wants to play and he’s going to give us a lot, I’m convinced."
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Xavi added: "The exits are being worked on.
"The market starts today and there is a month left.
"Many things have to be valued but for players to come, others have to leave, that is very clear."
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