Barcelona seemed to have already finalized its planning, but the market never stops offering opportunities. In recent days, the sporting management has detected an opportunity they consider strategic both economically and sportingly. The operation, driven directly by Deco, has progressed quickly and is now practically ready to be announced.
This is an unexpected move that responds to the search for new attacking solutions. Flick wants to have a young footballer with room to grow who can adapt gradually. The bet has come from Villarreal, where a forward with great potential has burst onto the elite scene with force.
The most surprising thing is that the operation only requires an outlay of €10 million. In an inflated market, where figures usually spiral out of control, this is a bargain that's hard to refuse. Deco is clear about it: paying the release clause is the best way to get ahead of the competition.
The strategy behind the move
The sporting plan even considers the possibility of an immediate loan after the signing. Betis has shown interest in having the player, and relations between clubs are excellent. This way, Barça secures the talent while also guaranteeing him minutes to grow.
The economic logic is also clear. This is a low-risk investment that, if it works, can multiply its value. Otherwise, the initial cost is moderate enough not to compromise the budget.
In addition, the Catalan club is starting to think about the future of its forward line. With Lewandowski approaching the end of his cycle, the sporting management is looking for young profiles capable of taking on a leading role. This move is seen as a medium-term investment within the restructuring of the attack.
The footballer in question
The Cameroonian forward has been one of the big surprises at the start of the league. His physical power, ability to find space, and goal-scoring instinct have caught the attention of several top-level teams. However, Barça has moved faster than anyone to secure his rights.
He arrived at Villarreal for just €1 million from Cádiz, and his progression has been meteoric. In just one season, he has gone from being a reserve team prospect to breaking into the elite with decisive goals. His age and his contract running until 2027 make him a desired piece in the market.
The numbers prove his immediate impact. Last season, he scored twenty goals and provided six assists, combining the reserve and first teams. This season, he debuted with a goal in the top division, confirming that he is ready to make the leap.
A move with great symbolism
At Barça, they haven't taken long to make comparisons with a legend in the club's history. His Cameroonian origin and attacking characteristics inevitably recall the great Samuel Eto’o. Deco, who played alongside the legendary forward, believes the young man shares that same competitive spirit.
Although he is still in the development phase, the club sees in him a different profile from the current attack. His power and directness can complement the creative talent of the squad's most technical wingers. In addition, his ambitious character fits with Flick's philosophy, which demands sacrifice and commitment in every training session.
The idea isn't to burden him with immediate responsibilities, but to give him a controlled space to grow. A loan to a top-level club would allow him to gain experience without losing his connection to the Catalan entity. In the medium term, he could become a natural replacement for a key role in the team.
The agreement will be solved in a matter of days, and everything indicates that it will be official before the window closes. Both Villarreal and the footballer view the operation favorably, as it benefits all parties. Barça secures talent, the player takes a career leap, and the Castellón club receives an attractive sum.
Finally, after intense negotiations, the name is no longer a secret: it's Etta Eyong. Barça will pay the €10 million release clause and keep him as a bet for the future. An unexpected move that confirms that at Camp Nou, they never consider the market closed.