Man Utd and Barcelona battle over ELITE Premier League star

Robin Bairner

• 20 Dec 2023 12:19 GMT
• 9 min read

Manchester United and Barcelona are embroiled in a battle to sign Amadou Onana from Everton.

FootMercato reports that the former Lille midfielder will fetch the Toffees a price in excess of €50 million and that a transfer to one of Europe’s biggest clubs is progressing for the 22-year-old.

Barcelona have already made contact with the player’s entourage, it is reported by the French source, while Man Utd are still monitoring the Belgium international closely and are considering the possibility of a transfer.

Although the Catalans have already spoken with Onana’s people, the price tag, which is expected to reach around €55m, means that there is no prospect of a deal being struck with Barca in January.

It is hinted that this could open the door for Man Utd to make an early move for the player, but nevertheless a deal would still be considered “a surprise” at this juncture.

Onana performing to an outstanding level

Onana’s strengths are clear, with the Everton star having emerged as one of the very best midfielders in the Premier League this season.

According to data analytics firm SciSports, Onana has been the ninth-strongest midfielder in the whole of the Premier League this season. His main strength has been dribbling, but he rates impressively in all categories, with the exception of recoveries.

SciSports believes, meanwhile, that Man Utd would be a more suitable destination for Onana than Barcelona.

According to its Career Advice tool, the Red Devils get a Club Fit score of 74, based around the player’s potential for development and ability to get playing time in a particular team. It also takes into account the style of each team and their formation.

Barcelona, in comparison, only score at 63 in this regard, with the playing style and formation of Xavi particularly counting against the ex-Hamburg player.

Everton, meanwhile, will want to retain Onana for as long as possible as they seek to ensure Premier League survival, but the financial reality for the Toffees is that they will likely be forced into a sale come the summer.