Barcelona reportedly failed to match Everton’s asking price for midfield player Amadou Onana, giving Manchester United a significant advantage in their pursuit of the player.
Throughout the 2023–24 season, the 22-year-old has once again been a vital member of the Toffees, making 25 appearances across all competitions and chipping in with two goals and one assist.
The Sun claims that Barcelona are interested in signing Onana, but the Catalan team can only afford to spend £34 million, which is less than Everton’s requested £51 million.
Onana’s contract at Goodison Park expires in June 2027, however it is widely anticipated that he will depart the team during the summer transfer window.
The Belgium international is still said to be of interest to Man United, but reports also suggest that Barcelona are eager to get him as they look for a midfielder commander.
The Belgian had previously been linked to Chelsea and Arsenal, but Man United are thought to be showing the greatest interest right now.
Onana joined Everton in August 2022 after making 42 appearances for French team Lille, where he finished with three goals and one assist.
This summer, Man United will probably revamp their midfield department as new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to make significant adjustments.
It is doubtful that a permanent deal would be sought for Sofyan Amrabat, given the Morocco international has not impressed since joining on loan from Fiorentina last summer.
As part of an overhaul at Old Trafford, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen may be sold, and two central midfielders may be added in the forthcoming transfer window.
The upcoming transfer window might be the busiest in United’s recent history with the club hoping to make big changes.