Guessing from some of the comments that Deco has made in the media, it looks increasingly clear that FC Barcelona are going to put a greater emphasis on the physical side of the game in their next project.
For this purpose, there are several players already on the Catalan club’s radar, with the 22-year-old Everton midfielder Amadou Onana being one of the most prominent players in Barcelona’s shortlist.
The physicality and youth of the Belgian international makes him a highly alluring target for the Catalans, and Everton is also open to a sale of the player, particularly because of their institutional problems, for which they have already faced a penalty in the form of points reduction.
Everton got the player from LOSC Lille for €35 million, and are now looking to sell him for almost double this amount, i.e., €60 million.
As SPORT has noted, this valuation by the Premier League side is bad news for Barcelona, as this amount is out of the reach of the Catalan club, but within the reach of some English sides that are also interested in him.
Arsenal and Manchester United both are among these teams interested in the midfielder and are also open to making an offer for him in the coming summer as they can afford Onana for the price demanded by Everton.
Thus, Everton is not too keen to let the player depart for Barcelona, especially as the Catalans can pay only up to €40 million for his services, an amount €20 million lower than what the English side demands. The Toffees have already sent their word to emissaries from Barcelona that they will not lower their asking price.
In such circumstances, the only way remaining for Deco to approach the midfielder is by making one of the current Barcelona players a part of the deal for Onana.
For now, there is still some time left before the summer window opens, and Deco will have the opportunity to contemplate upon his options and find the best way forward.
