Imagine a young footballer chasing the footsteps of legends like Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o, all while sparking a massive €30 million transfer saga to Barcelona – that’s the electrifying tale of Levante’s sensation, Etta Eyong. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this ambitious striker ready to dominate Europe and Africa, or is the hype ahead of his reality? Let’s dive into the details and see why this story has football fans buzzing.
Etta Eyong has never hidden his admiration for the greats of the game. Growing up, he was glued to the television, watching Samuel Eto’o’s powerful displays at Barcelona, which ignited his passion for the sport. And when it comes to Lionel Messi, Eyong calls him the ‘best’ player he’s ever laid eyes on – a dream that could come true if he joins the Blaugrana. In a heartfelt chat with SportyTV, the 22-year-old forward spilled his heart: ‘When I was a child, I used to watch Eto’o’s games at Barcelona. For me, Messi is the best, and playing with him would be a dream I wouldn’t want to wake up from.’ It’s this kind of raw enthusiasm that makes Eyong’s journey so relatable, especially for aspiring players dreaming big.
But ambition isn’t just talk for Eyong – he backs it up with clear goals. He envisions conquering two worlds: lifting the Champions League trophy on Europe’s grandest stage, perhaps even sooner than expected, and shining at the Africa Cup of Nations in the coming months. To break it down simply, the Champions League is football’s elite club competition, pitting the best teams from across Europe in a battle for supremacy, while the Africa Cup of Nations is a continental tournament showcasing Africa’s top national teams. Eyong credits his success to mental focus and discipline, emphasizing that ‘the most important thing in life is your brain. If you don’t have concentration, you lose everything.’ It’s a reminder for beginners in any field: staying sharp mentally can make all the difference.
And speaking of success, Eyong’s on-field exploits this season are turning heads. With six goals and three assists in just 12 La Liga matches – that’s Spain’s top football league, known for its intense, technical style – he’s quickly become one of the hottest emerging talents. For newcomers to football, think of assists as key passes that set up teammates to score, making Eyong a versatile threat who not only finds the net himself but also creates chances for others.
Of course, all this talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Eyong’s performances have kicked off a frenzy of interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. CSKA Moscow from Russia threw in an early €30 million bid, which Levante and the player swiftly turned down. Now, Barcelona and Chelsea are openly admiring him, while Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Manchester United are keeping a watchful eye. This is the part most people miss: despite the massive offers flooding in every day, as Levante owner Jose Danvila bluntly stated, the club is standing firm – no sales this season. Levante is fighting relegation, sitting 19th in the La Liga table, and they see Eyong as crucial to staying afloat. It’s a classic tug-of-war between financial windfalls and team survival, and Eyong himself isn’t keen on leaving Spain just yet. The idea of suiting up for Barcelona, the team he idolized as a kid, still thrills him the most.
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Now, onto the nitty-gritty that complicates things: Eyong’s transfer saga is tangled in a web of contractual agreements from his past at Villarreal. Back when he swapped Villarreal for Levante in 2025, he inked a four-year deal paying €1 million a year, complete with a €30 million release clause – that’s basically a fee clubs must pay to buy him out. But Villarreal wasn’t done; they added sell-on clauses, meaning they get a cut of any future transfer. For transfers under €7.5 million, they snag 80% of the fee; between €7.5 million and €15 million, it’s a 50-50 split; and over €15 million, they take 20%. Even if Levante rejects an offer exceeding €15 million, they still owe Villarreal for the potential earnings. Plus, Villarreal has the right to match any bid, turning any deal into a three-way negotiation. For beginners, this shows how football contracts can be complex financial puzzles, designed to protect clubs’ investments long-term.
Eyong’s rise to prominence hasn’t been a straight path either. He started his career at Cadiz B, where he barely featured, before Villarreal scooped him up in 2024. He debuted in La Liga in April 2025, netting his first goal soon after, but limited playing time led him to Levante for a fresh start. The €3 million move paid off big-time: he secured a spot in the starting lineup right away and exploded with six goals in 12 games. Eyong attributes it all to sheer graft: ‘I came here to play regularly and to help keep Levante in La Liga. The key to my scoring streak is simply hard work.’ Levante’s manager, Julian Calero, raves about him as a ‘game-changer’ and insists retaining Eyong is key to their campaign. And this is where controversy brews – is Eyong truly a world-beater in the making, or is his rapid ascent more about timing and opportunity? Some might argue his stats are impressive but unproven against top-tier competition, sparking debates on whether clubs like Barcelona should splurge millions on a relative newcomer.
So, what do you think? Is Etta Eyong destined for greatness with Barcelona, or should smaller clubs like Levante nurture young talents longer before the big leagues snatch them away? Do you agree with Levante’s refusal to sell, even amid financial temptations? Share your thoughts in the comments – let’s debate!