Cameroonian forward Karl Etta Eyong continues to attract interest following a lively start to the La Liga season. The 21-year-old has scored five goals and registered three assists, further fuelling transfer speculations with Barcelona the primary destination.
Just last summer, his buyout clause was reported to be €10 million, but following an impressive start to the new season and a new deal at Levante, the release clause has reportedly increased to €30 million. Barça’s inability to register players kept them from pouncing, but they remain interested in a deal.
Robert Lewandowski’s contract at Barcelona runs out at the end of the current campaign, although the club could choose to extend it for one more year. However, he would be 38 by then, and despite sporting director Deco downplaying the need for a striker, the club remains on the hunt for the Pole’s successor.
Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, and Serhou Guirassy are some names that have been floated in recent weeks. While President Joan Laporta would favour a marquee signing like Haaland or Alvarez, it is Guirassy at €65 million that appears more likely. Even then, the club may struggle to sign him with gaping holes in defence and the wings. That makes Eyong a less attractive but potentially rewarding signing.
What a possible transfer looks like
As part of the agreement between Villarreal and Levante regarding Eyong, the financial breakdown of any future transfer is tiered.
For any sale between €3 million and €7.5 million, Villarreal is entitled to 80% of the fee, with Levante retaining 20%. If the transfer falls between €7.5 million and €15 million, the profit is shared equally between both clubs. However, should the fee exceed €15 million, Levante receives 80% of the proceeds.
Notably, the agreement includes a clause that ensures Villarreal benefits even if a high-value offer is turned down. If Levante rejects a bid of €15 million or more, they are still required to pay Villarreal the amount the club would have earned had the deal gone through.
Additionally, Villarreal holds a right of first refusal, allowing them to match any accepted offer for Eyong. While this gives Villarreal leverage, the final decision still rests with the player. In the event Villarreal exercises that right, Cadiz — Eyong’s former club — would receive 50% of the sale fee.
