Barcelona eyeing E10m move for Etta Eyong

One of the names generating buzz as the La Liga transfer window nears its end is that of Karl Etta Eyong. The Villarreal forward has attracted attention from numerous clubs, including Barcelona. 'Sport' reports that the 'Cules' are considering paying the release clause for the 21-year-old Cameroonian.

For Barça, it represents an interesting opportunity due to its affordability. Eyong's release is estimated below ten million euros, a figure within reach for any major club facing the need to sign a young No 9 with an eye on the future.

That situation is presenting itself to the 'Culés' now. Robert Lewandowski's contract expires next June 30th, and it remains to be seen whether he renews or departs at the end of the season at the age of 37. With Etta Eyong, Barcelona are contemplating a medium-term investment. They would sign him now but seek a loan move to another top-flight team.

Immediate Impact in the Top Flight

The player from Douala emerged from the Cádiz academy and signed for Villarreal in the summer of 2024, joining their B team. He scored 19 goals in the third tier with the reserve team and found the net in his second appearance for the first team last campaign. This summer, Marcelino promoted him definitively, and he hasn't disappointed.

He already showed promise in pre-season, but Etta Eyong has had a stellar start to the league campaign. He started and played 90 minutes in both matches. Against Real Oviedo, he scored to open the scoring, and against Girona, he moved with fluidity and speed inside and outside the area. He assisted Tajon Buchanan after leading a counter-attack in which the Canadian completed the rout.

According to the aforementioned source, other teams such as Real Betis and Real Sociedad have enquired about him, as have clubs from the Premier League. Furthermore, Levante and Real Oviedo showed interest in a loan deal, although the player is becoming indispensable for Marcelino. Barça are studying his signing, aware that young talent comes at a premium these days, and Eyong's clause represents a market opportunity.