Barcelona could benefit from Etta Eyong’s complex Levante-Villarreal transfer deal – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona showed interest in Etta Eyong last summer, when he was still a Villarreal player and had not yet joined Levante.

At that time, the Catalans had already strengthened their forward line, and the Cameroonian striker was not a top priority. Barcelona were asked to pay the full €10 million of his clause, but the club lacked the room to maneuver, despite it being considered a bargain.

Villarreal ultimately sold him to Levante for €3 million, retaining economic rights for the future. Eyong’s current buyout clause is set at €30 million.

Since joining Levante, Eyong has made a sensational start to the season, scoring four goals and providing one assist. His impressive performances have reignited Barcelona’s interest, and the club could once again consider a move for the 21-year-old forward next summer.

Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images

According to Cadena Ser (via SPORT), the transfer agreement between Levante and Villarreal, finalized last summer, includes complex clauses that could make a future sale likely and potentially benefit Barcelona.

If Eyong is sold for a fee between €3 million and €7.5 million, Villarreal receives 80 percent of the fee while Levante keeps 20 percent. For a sale between €7.5 million and €15 million, the two clubs share the profit equally. If the transfer exceeds €15 million, Levante retains 80 percent of the proceeds.

An additional clause states that if Levante rejects an offer of €15 million or more, the club must still pay Villarreal the profit they would have earned from the sale. This ensures Villarreal benefits financially regardless of Levante’s decision.

The agreement also gives Villarreal a right of first refusal to match any future offer, although the player himself retains the power to influence his next move. The player’s former club, Cadiz, would be entitled to 50 percent of any future sale if Villarreal exercises that right.

With Eyong now performing at a high level, a €15 million-plus offer next summer is likely to be accepted. FC Barcelona could take advantage of this rare opportunity, particularly since Eyong reportedly communicated last summer that he would prioritise a move to the club if they pursued him.

The striker will remain at Levante until the end of the season to continue developing and asserting himself, but a move to a bigger club, potentially Barcelona, could be on the horizon next summer.