Barcelona target prefers to stay in Spain amid strong interest from Manchester United | OneFootball

Following his excellent start to the 2025/26 season at Levante, after joining from Villarreal, Etta Eyong is attracting strong interest from top clubs.

Barcelona, for one, are keeping an eye on the young striker, having wanted to sign him last summer but missing out due to the financial situation.

Manchester United want Etta Eyong

Now, according to reports in England as relayed by SPORT, Manchester United are among the clubs that have already made initial contact to try to get ahead in the race for Eyong’s signature.

Despite spending heavily on Benjamin Sesko last summer, the Red Devils are once again in the market for a No. 9, given the Slovenian’s slow start at Old Trafford and Joshua Zirkzee’s uncertain future.

Eyong, thus, has emerged as a target after his solid start to the campaign with five goals and three assists from eight matches.

Etta Eyong (L) has started the season on a strong note. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old Cameroonian international has a €30 million release clause in his contract with Levante. However, due to the specific terms of his transfer agreement, an offer of around €15 million would almost certainly trigger a sale.

Eyong prefers to stay in Spain

However, according to the report, Eyong has made it clear that he wishes to remain in Spain. In fact, his top preference would be to join Barcelona, should the Catalan club decide to pursue him.

The young forward already expressed this wish last summer when talks took place between the two parties. Ultimately, Barcelona decided not to pay his €10 million release clause at the time, as salary cap restrictions prevented the move.

Nevertheless, the discussions helped build a positive relationship between the player’s representatives and the club, which could prove decisive in the future.

Barcelona’s sporting department continues to monitor Eyong closely, though there is no rush to move forward with the operation. The player and his entourage are aware of Barcelona’s interest and are prepared to wait.