Few doubt that Etta Eyong is La Liga's suprise package of the season so far. It's well known that Barcelona are among the clubs tracking him, given he's only 22. The latest development, revealed by 'Mundo Deportivo', suggests the Cameroon international is eager to become a 'Blaugrana' as soon as possible.

Specifically, the Levante attacker reportedly wants his move to the 'Azulgrana' to be finalised in the winter transfer window, even if he finishes the season at the Ciutat de Valencia.

The player, who has six goals and two assists in ten official matches this season, has always been a Barcelona fan and is apparently aware that his name is on Deco's wish list.

The Catalan club has been monitoring him for some time. Some reports even suggest that his move to Levante and the subsequent increase in his release clause to €30 million prevented them from making a move earlier.

With Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona's number '9', out of contract this summer and, at 37, seemingly nearing the end of his spell at the Camp Nou on June 30th, Eyong is one of the names being considered as his replacement.

Meteoric rise

The career of the Douala-born attacker, who arrived in Spain via Cadiz after being spotted playing for the Ecola de Football Galactique in his hometown, has skyrocketed in recent months. Following his 19 goals in 30 matches for the reserve side in Primera RFEF, Marcelino, who had already given him his debut at Villarreal, was so impressed with his pre-season performances that he started him in the first three league games. The result: a goal and two assists.

Then came his surprising and complex sale to Levante, a move designed more for the future than the present. The 'Granotas' paid 'only' €3.8 million for the forward, while Barcelona were quoted his €10 million release clause at the time. The key is that Villarreal retained several clauses to profit from any future sale.

Complex transfer

Specifically, if Levante sell for between €3 and €7.5 million, Villarreal will receive 80% of the profit, with the 'Groguets' taking the remaining 20%. If the figure rises to €15 million, then it's a 50/50 split for both teams. And if the price exceeds €15 million, the team from the Ciutat de Valencia will take 80%.

There are other details in the contract, such as if Levante rejects an offer above €15 million, they must pay Villarreal the profit they would have generated. Additionally, Etta Eyong's former club also has a right of first refusal. However, in this case, they would have to give 50% of any future sale to Cadiz, who also retain an interest in his registration.

It remains to be seen how much the talented forward from Douala will ultimately cost. Since joining Levante, he has scored five goals in seven matches and provided one assist. His latest goal came last weekend against Mallorca. He is also a full Cameroon international.

Etta Eyong

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