Barcelona will be presented with an ‘open door’ to sign Amadou Onana from Everton this summer, if the Toffees are relegated from the Premier League.
That’s according to Marca, who continue growing idea that relegation for Everton would prove to be very profitable for Barcelona.
They explain that Onana is ‘one of the main candidates’ to reinforce Barcelona’s midfield this summer, with director of football Deco looking to add a Yaya Toure like figure to that area of the squad.
The big problem is that Barcelona don’t have the finances for a deal beyond €40m, while Everton are believed to value Onana at €60m plus, particularly after paying 60m plus, particularly after paying €35m for him.
The newspaper argues, though, that an ‘unexpected door could open’ at the end of the season if Everton were to be relegated.
Sean Dyche’s side currently find themselves in the bottom three thanks to their points deduction and the belief is that if they can’t escape that and drop to the Championship, it would ‘accelerate’ Onana’s departure.
Marca say ‘it is evident’ that the midfielder would not want to play in the Championship next season and ‘would push to leave’.
That would not mean Barcelona suddenly have the money to match Everton’s demands, of course, and they still don’t know if they’ll have room in terms of Financial Fair Play to move for him anyway.
But they’re certainly interested and seemingly hoping for Everton to be relegated, as the belief is that would potentially make it easier than it currently is.
