Barcelona rival Manchester United for €55 million-rated midfielder, talks held with entourage

It is no secret that Barcelona are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements for January and in the summer. With Gavi’s injury, there seems to be a plan to sign a short-term replacement on loan in the winter while the club plan on making a long-term investment in the summer.

Previous reports have suggested that the Catalans wish to sign a player of a profile similar to that of former midfielder Yaya Toure. And one of the names on the club’s radars is Everton’s Belgian star Amadou Onana.

Contacts made with Onana’s entourage

Now, Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato is reporting that Barcelona are indeed very interested in making a summer move for Amadou Onana.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise in Europe, having made his breakthrough in the German second division with Hamburg, before enjoying a rise to prominence at Ligue 1 side LOSC in 2021/22.

Following that, Onana made the move to Everton, where he has shone brightly despite the team’s misfortunes in the Premier League.

The midfielder is versatile enough to play in multiple positions, is physically strong, good with both feet, and has already accumulated some experience at the highest level in the Premier League, making him an attractive prospect for clubs across Europe.

As such, Barcelona have set their sights on Onana as a possible target for the summer window. In fact, according to a well-informed source, contact was recently made between the player’s representatives and the Blaugrana.

Man United also interested

But, Barcelona are not the only horse in the race as Manchester United are also understood to be very keen on signing Onana.

Indeed, the Red Devils are continuing to monitor the performances of the Belgian international as they look to address their own midfield issues.

The interest from Manchester United, coupled with Everton’s valuation of €55 million for their midfield asset, could pose problems for Barcelona in their attempt to land Onana.

As such, Barça will need to be patient and see if their economic situation resolves before lining up a move for the 22-year-old. But with interest in him growing, the possibility of the Catalans missing out on him is quite real.