Barcelona wants Karl Etta Eyong as Lewandowski’s replacement, but must be patient

Gilabola.com –Barcelona is starting to make long-term plans on the front lines by targeting Karl Etta Eyong as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

It is reported that the Catalan club will not extend the Polish striker’s contract, which expires in the summer of 2026, and is now preparing to recruit Levante’s young striker. However, Levante emphasized that they will not sell their mainstay players in the transfer market next January.

Etta Eyong has impressed this season with six goals and three assists for Villarreal and Levante since arriving at the end of the last summer transfer window.

This performance made Barcelona put him at the top of the list of transfer targets. Apart from being considered tactically suitable, the price of around IDR 580 billion is considered realistic for the club’s current financial condition.

However, Barcelona’s desire to recruit him more quickly received firm resistance from Levante. The club’s CEO, José Danvila, confirmed that Etta Eyong will not be released in the middle of the season because the team is still fighting to avoid relegation. He believes that the decision to sell key players during a critical situation will actually be detrimental to the club in the long term.

Danvila also said that Levante receive many offers every day for their mainstay striker, but their main focus remains maintaining their position in La Liga.

He believes that Etta Eyong’s presence is very vital in maintaining the balance of the team’s game and increasing attack productivity. Therefore, even if there is a big offer, the club will not be tempted to sell the player.

Barcelona also understands Levante’s position and seems ready to wait until the summer of 2026 to realize this transfer plan. Internal sources said that management did not want to rush into making decisions that could disrupt the club’s financial stability.

Focus on Regeneration and Team Condition

The move to find a replacement for Lewandowski is part of the regeneration strategy that Barcelona is currently implementing. With the striker turning 37 years old at the end of next season, management believes there is a need for young players who can be a long-term support on the front line.

Apart from that, the club is also facing injury problems which are disrupting the team’s consistency. Several key players such as Gavi, Raphinha and Joan Garcia are still in the treatment room. Now, defender Eric Garcia is also confirmed to have suffered a nose injury after the 3-3 draw against Club Brugge.

Barcelona, ​​via a medical report, stated that Garcia had a broken nose and would wear a face shield. His participation against Celta Vigo this weekend still depends on his recovery condition in the next two days.

If Garcia is not used, the chances for Pau Cubarsi to return to the main squad are greater. He was a mainstay at the start of the season before only sitting on the bench for the last two games.