Barcelona is well aware of the challenges they face in the upcoming summer transfer window, particularly in securing their desired acquisitions.
They have identified specific areas to strengthen, including a midfielder, a left winger, and ensuring the continuity of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo. However, meeting these objectives is proving to be difficult, given their limited budget and the high valuations set by target clubs.
One primary target for the midfield pivot role is Everton’s Amadou Onana, who has emerged as the preferred choice of manager Xavi Hernandez and Sporting Director Deco.
Despite his suitability for the role, Barcelona’s budget constraints pose a significant obstacle, as their €45 million limit falls short of Everton’s minimum asking price of €60 million for the 22-year-old.
To bridge this gap, Barcelona is considering leveraging their surplus players as part of potential exchange deals with Everton. Players such as Ansu Fati, Clement Lenglet, Sergino Dest, or Fermin Lopez could be offered to sweeten the deal.
Lopez’s recent impressive performances and his expressed desire to remain at Barcelona complicate matters, suggesting that any potential transfer involving him may face resistance.
Meanwhile, Onana is well aware of Barcelona’s interest in him and is open to the possibility of joining the Catalan club.
He remains mindful of alternative options, with clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal also reportedly interested in securing his services.
Barcelona remains one of his priorities for the summer, but he will carefully consider all available opportunities before making a decision.
In recent transfer windows, Barcelona has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize player departures over maximizing transfer fees.
This approach has been evident in the cases of Fati, Dest, and Lenglet, who have been made available for transfer.
Everton may not be inclined to significantly lower Onana’s price in exchange for these players, given their perceived lack of value in the current market.
Overall, Barcelona faces a challenging task in navigating the summer transfer market, balancing their desire to reinforce the squad with their financial limitations and the reluctance of selling clubs to compromise on valuation.
The outcome will depend on their ability to negotiate effectively and explore creative solutions to secure their desired targets.
