La Liga newbies in advanced talks to sign Barcelona-linked young forward  – report | OneFootball

Levante are closing in on the signing of Barcelona target Karl Etta Eyong from Villarreal, according to an update from Matteo Moretto.

The journalist reports that talks have reached an advanced stage, putting the newly promoted La Liga side ahead of several heavyweights in the race for the talented youngster.

Just a few days ago, reports had suggested that Barcelona were considering triggering the forward’s release clause to secure his future.

The idea was to sign Eyong outright and then loan him out within La Liga to aid his development.

The Catalan club were not the only ones monitoring him, with Real Sociedad, Real Betis, and several Premier League outfits also making enquiries. Meanwhile, Levante and Oviedo emerged as the strongest contenders for a loan deal.

Cost of his operation

One detail that significantly shifted the landscape is the actual figure of Eyong’s release clause.

Initially thought to be €10 million, it was later revealed to stand at just €5 million – a price tag that immediately makes him a much more attainable signing.

Etta Eyong is close to moving to Levante. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

For a player with such promise, this amount represents a bargain, especially when considering Barcelona’s well-documented financial constraints.

At only 21 years old, Eyong has already shown flashes of his potential at Villarreal. Blessed with pace, energy, and an eye for goal, he is viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in Spanish football.

Barcelona, who have been tracking young talents closely under their new sporting project, identified him as a player worth investing in for the future.

However, despite Barça’s admiration and interest from bigger clubs, Levante now seem to be in the driving seat.

While nothing has been officially signed yet, all indications point towards Levante winning the race.

If the deal goes through, it would mean Barcelona have once again missed out on a promising talent they had shortlisted.

Still, the low release clause ensures Eyong’s name could resurface in transfer talks sooner rather than later, especially if he thrives with more playing time.