La Liga giants Barcelona were advised to bring Amadou Onana to the club back in the summer of 2022, prior to his signing for Everton.
That’s according to Diario Sport, who have on Sunday provided an insight into the situation.
The name of midfielder Onana has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital for some time now.
This comes amid the widespread understanding that the 22-year-old has been identified as the leading target to reinforce Barcelona’s engine room ranks with a view to next season.
Onana, for his part, is currently plying his trade in the Premier League, with Everton.
Amid mounting interest in his signature, the Toffees brass are believed to have slapped a €60 million price-tag on the head of their midfield standout, ahead of the summer.
Just two years ago, though, Barcelona could well have sealed a deal for Onana’s signature, for half this fee.
As per the aforementioned Sport, then-Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez, back in 2022, made clear to Blaugrana board member Jordi Cruyff, a close friend, that the breakthrough Red Devils talent would mark a stellar addition:
‘Roberto Martínez warned Barcelona of the player’s enormous potential, endorsing what for them would have been a great signing.’
In the end, Barca missed out, owing largely to the club’s financial woes, with Onana having gone on to sign for Everton for €30 million.
Should the Catalans ultimately get their way, though, the Belgian international will, when all is said and done, go on to pull on the club’s colours at some point down the line.
Conor Laird | GSFN
