Barcelona eyeing move for Premier League star to reinforce midfield in the summer

Barcelona are anticipating yet another busy summer ahead, with the club likely to offload a few star players in their bid to generate more revenue.

Frenkie de Jong is expected to be one of the sacrificial lambs, despite the fact that the player has performed brilliantly under the leadership of Xavi Hernandez.

The Dutchman’s wages remain an issue for Barça while he is seen as a player who can fetch a sizeable sum in transfer fees. The midfielder himself is open to listening to offers this coming summer, with PSG seriously interested.

Amadou Onana identified as De Jong’s replacement

Barcelona, to that end, have started scouring the market for potential replacements. According to SPORT, the club have identified two particular candidates, with one of them being Amadou Onana.

Currently plying his trade for Everton, Onana has enjoyed immense success since joining the club from LOSC Lille in 2022.

In just a year and a half, the midfielder has established himself as a first-team regular, racking up 61 competitive appearances for the Toffees.

Amadou Onana has been identified as a replacement for de Jong (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Onana is a defensive midfielder by trade, which automatically makes him a desirable option for Barcelona.

The Catalans, after all, have had a difficult time replacing Sergio Busquets since his exit last summer. Oriol Romeu was roped in from Girona, but the former La Masia star has struggled this season.

Barcelona, therefore, would rather prefer signing a defensive midfielder like Onana as the replacement for de Jong, as the Everton starlet would fit into the team setup much more easily.

Can Barça sign Onana?

Barcelona’s chances of signing Amadou Onana are aided by the fact that Eveton are languishing in the relegation zone this season.

Even if the Toffees do manage to escape the wrath of relegation this season, there is every chance a star like Onana might demand a transfer.

However, a potential roadblock for the Catalans here could be Everton’s asking price, if especially if the Merseyside giants manage to remain in the Premier League.

Onana’s contract at Goodison Park does not expire until 2027, so it won’t be surprising to Everton demanding a figure of more than €50 million for the player this summer.