Barcelona are reportedly poised to compete against Manchester United for the signing of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
The middle of the park is believed to be an area of the pitch Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen on strengthening in the ongoing summer transfer window – a need that will only become more urgent in case Christian Eriksen and Casemiro leave.
Casemiro is wanted by Saudi Pro League clubs while his teammate Eriksen is believed to be on the radar of outfits such as Galatasaray and Ajax.
In addition to this, there is also the small matter of finding the perfect pivot partner for young Kobbie Mainoo. This is where Onana comes in.
The Belgian is an aggressive ball-winning defensive midfielder who enjoys getting stuck into duels. Standing at 6’5”, he’s a towering physical presence who boasts of incredible power, which helps him when battling rival players.
Onana is a front-footed player who always looks to pass forward and advance play. He’s technically gifted and an adept handler of the ball.
In the 2023/24 season, he made 37 appearances across all appearances for Everton. In that time, he registered three goals and one assist – decent numbers for a star whose primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring the team is defensively sound.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the 22-year-old’s representatives reached out to United to enquire whether they’re intent on making a move for his client. This information was followed up by a subsequent report which stated that the Red Devils had tabled a bid worth €60 million for him.
Back in February, it emerged that Arsenal and United were the parties leading the race for Onana, with Barcelona no longer interested in landing him.
However, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (via The Daily Mail), the Catalan giants are still keen on luring the player to Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick’s side have identified Onana as an alternative to Joshua Kimmich. Another option for Barca in place of the German is Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.
An approach for Merino is more likely because of the Blaugrana’s financial constraints.
As The Mail notes, clarity on where Onana ends up is likely to be provided after Belgium’s participation in Euro 2024 comes to an end.
That said, Belgium will face France – who are widely considered the favourites to win the competition – in the Round of 16 and there is a strong chance that Onana and Belgium could be dumped out of the Euros.
Everton paid £34million when they signed him in 2022. They’re likely to want significantly more than this figure to part ways with the player.
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