Barcelona enter race to sign 20-year-old Belgian winger targeted by Arsenal and Liverpool – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have had rather quiet transfer windows in recent years, except for one in the summer of 2022/23. Financial troubles have made the club rely mostly on free agents or loan deals, with the odd signing here and there.

This summer, Barcelona spent money to bring in Joan Garcia from Espanyol, then loaned in Marcus Rashford from Manchester United with an option to buy. These are the constraints within which Deco and co. have had to work.

According to Fichajes, Barcelona have now joined Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign talented Belgian winger Malick Fofana, who plays for Lyon in France. The 20-year-old has exploded onto the scene in Ligue 1.

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Having already 25 goal contributions (17 goals and 8 assists) in 74 appearances for the French side, Fofana appears ready to take the next step in his career, which could be a big one. The winger has a contract until 2028, but Lyon’s delicate economic situation could make a transfer feasible.

Arsenal and Liverpool have been following the 20-year-old for a while, but in recent weeks, Barcelona have taken their interest a step further. They have approached the player’s camp to gauge his interest in a potential move.

Barcelona believe Lyon’s situation could help them reach an agreement involving a moderate fee and favourable conditions. Fofana has an incredibly high ceiling and could benefit them in the long run.

Widespread interest in Malick Fofana could spark a bidding war, and Premier League clubs generally have deeper coffers than Barcelona. Thus, it could all come down to the player’s preference. Let us wait and see how things play out.