Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told Mundo Deportivo that Everton’s Amadou Onana is a “very good” player.
Over the past few weeks, several claims from the Catalan media have talked about the La Liga side’s have to sign a new midfielder in the summer and Onana is said to be their main target.
Two days ago, Sport reported Barca sporting director Deco is well aware that Everton are willing to sell the 22-year-old after this season. It was also stated the Toffees would need €60m, which is beyond the Blaugrana’s reach.
On Friday, the same outlet stated the Spanish giants could lower the price by including their own players as part of the deal for the Belgium international. It was also said Barca could offer Fermín López, Clément Lenglet, Sergiño Dest or Ansu Fati to the Toffees.
With multiple claims of Barcelona showing interest in Onana, Mundo told Laporta that his side need a midfielder and then asked him if he’s seen the Everton player.
Responding to that, he said: “From Everton. You talk about very good players. It’s this one and there are others. It’s not just this one.
“There are players who can play that role, but at the moment it’s Deco’s job, it’s not my area of action and activity. I do have a responsibility to decide the yes or no that the directors have, but obviously we are guided by Deco’s knowledge and opinion.
“There are several interesting players in that position. We don’t need to sign players either because we have players in that position as well. And we might make some reinforcements next season, but the idea is not to sell anyone.”
Laporta’s comments make it clear he’s waiting for Deco’s decision, before giving his final verdict on Onana or another midfielder.
Even if they do want the Everton man above all others, they still need to find the money, with it unlikely the Toffees will accept a player as a large part of the payment.
