Barcelona prioritise €40 million transfer operation for Everton midfielder – report

Over the past few game weeks, Barcelona have done well to mitigate the absence of a natural defensive midfielder by employing Andreas Christensen at the base of midfield.

Still, the Catalan giants recognize such measures are only a temporary stopgap, and they must address the elephant in the room ahead of next season.

Indeed, having signed Oriol Romeu as a low-cost option in the previous summer transfer window, it is likely that the Blaugranes will finally broaden their scope this summer.

Barcelona’s transfer priority

According to an exclusive report from Catalan outlet SPORT, Barça have prioritized the signing of a defensive midfielder this summer.

Over the course of the campaign, the Catalan giants have been linked with an abundance of options, but one particularly catches the eye of sporting director Deco: Everton’s Amadou Onana, whose acquisition would require a fee of €40 million.

Barcelona are reportedly in the market for players who are physically competent, experts at winning the ball back, and well-versed in possession.

And Onana is considered someone who fits the bill, who, despite his team’s troubles, has established himself in the Premier League over the last several seasons.

Onana could be the physical midfielder that Barcelona have been looking for. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Moreover, the fact that the 22-year-old Belgian international is reportedly eager to represent Barcelona strengthens his case.

Barcelona aim lowering Onana’s cost

Reports have previously claimed that Barcelona are looking into methods to lower the asking price that Everton is demanding.

Offering the Toffees players in exchange is one way to do it. Fermin Lopez most recently entered Everton’s crosshairs and may be used in a swap deal down the line.

Time will tell how the saga develops, but if Barcelona can muster up the finances, a move for Onana would certainly be on the cards.