Manchester United and Barcelona may go head-to-head over a new striker next year, but they won’t be the only clubs to hit the mark
It has been claimed that Manchester United are the clear disadvantage in the race to sign Karl Etta Ayon. Barcelona could reportedly sign the Levante star for significantly less than the Red Devils, but the club currently have different release clauses for each buyer.
Barcelona are said to be viewing Etta Eyon as Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor, but Lewandowski’s own future in Catalonia is far from secure. Interestingly, United themselves were linked with Lewandowski, only for their hopes to be dashed by owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Lewandowski, 37, is out of contract next summer and there have been hints he could leave as Barça look to cut staff costs. However, United appear to be moving away from signing older players on big salaries after a history of high-stakes gambling.
If he leaves, Barcelona will get a lot of goals as a substitute. The former Bayern Munich star has scored 105 goals in 156 appearances. Hansi Flick’s side have had their share of goals this season, with United loanee Marcus Rashford contributing to the depth up front, and Etta Eyon could add more goals next season.
The 22-year-old only joined Levante in the summer and scored his first La Liga goal for former club Villarreal last season. However, he got off to a good start with his new club, scoring five goals in seven league games.
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According to Mundo Deportivo (via Football España), it would cost Barcelona £26.4 million to sign Etta Eyon. However, for Premier League clubs, the magic number is set at £35.2 million.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Real Madrid are also claimed to be interested in the 22-year-old. However, Barca’s interest comes as the club could be looking at cheaper alternatives for flick target and Borussia Dortmund rising star Selhawe Guirassy.
Guirassi, 29, is expected to be available for just over £57m. A relatively late bloomer, the Guinea international scored 28 goals in the Bundesliga in his final season with former club Stuttgart, and 21 last season with current club Dortmund, as well as scoring a competition-leading 13 goals in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, United could be in the market for attacking players in 2026 despite a busy summer. The signings of Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesco will cost a total of around £200m, but United may feel the need for further reinforcements if they return to European competition.
Funding for a new forward could come from the sales of Rashford and Rasmus Hjølund. Both players have spent this season on loan at Barcelona and Napoli respectively, and could leave the club permanently next summer.
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