Barcelona haven’t spent too much this window as they still try to work through financial problems and get back to the 1:1.
Still, they were searching for potential market opportunities and didn’t completely count out another signing if the right target and price was available.
They identified a player that they saw as a potential market opportunity but their target has made the move to another La Liga side on deadline day.
Etta Eyong To Levante
Karl Etta Eyong is a 21-year-old Cameroonian striker who made his La Liga debut this season but has already impressed with one goal and two assists in his three matches so far. He has been an undisputed starter under Marcelino but with a low release clause, it was pretty assured that someone would go after him.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona were interested in bringing Etta Eyong and loaning him out to another La Liga side to let him develop.
This could’ve been a smart deal for Barcelona as they would’ve gotten a talented striker on the books and if he performed well they could keep him as a Lewandowski replacement or sell him for a higher fee.
This operation though is no longer an option as newly promoted Levante have jumped on the opportunity and managed to get the young striker on a lower deal that the 5 million euro release clause.
Levante have bought him for a 3 million euro fee but likely have given Villarreal a favorable buy-back clause.
This is an excellent move for Levante as they get an excellent striker that will definitely boost their chance to remain in the top flight.
As for Barcelona, they miss out on a great market opportunity that a club with financial issues should be hopping on.
