Barcelona seeking new stars despite financial stresses

Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by ESPN

In two separate reports before the weekend, Diario Sport have linked Barcelona with Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Everton's Amadou Onana.

The first report focuses on Fernandez, suggesting that the 23-year-old Chelsea midfielder is keen on making a move to the Blaugrana. This comes amid reports that the Argentina international wants to leave Stamford Bridge, though any departure would be difficult due to both his status as a key player for Mauricio Pochettino and his lengthy contract, which runs until 2032.

Fernandez is still "seduced" by the idea of playing for Barcelona, yet the report admits that a move could be unlikely even if they add that nothing is impossible.

In the second story, they state that Deco has identified Everton's Onana as the missing piece that can bring extra consistency and physicality to the club's midfield. Xavi Hernandez had focused on more technical players for that position, but Deco is now moving forward -- Xavi has already confirmed he will leave the club this summer -- and has already made contact with the concerned parties.

The main obstacle to any potential move for the 22-year-old is Everton's demands of €60m as well as interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, with the Gunners being the most serious of the Premier League clubs.

Deco is trying to bring Onana in for €40m, as various players would need to be offloaded to meet the €60m valuation.