From Cameroon to Camp Nou? How This Wonderkid is Forcing Barcelona to Pay Attention

From Cameroon to Camp Nou? How This Wonderkid is Forcing Barcelona to Pay Attention

The continent of Africa has seen some incredible talents spawn in over the years – the likes of George Weah, Didier Drogba, and Yaya Touré come to mind, and they all went on to earn some of the most prestigious awards and accolades – both for their teams and individually – there are.

Now, there is another young star starting to evolve, one that has giants Barcelona as an onlooking admirer. Karl Etta Eyong is his name, and his rapid rise through the ranks in Spanish football should have thousands of fans flocking in to monitor his recent performances in a Levante UD shirt.

🚨| 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Barcelona are considering paying the €10M release clause of Villarreal's 21 year old striker Etta Eyong and then loan him out to a La Liga club. [@sport - pending further conformation] #fcblive 🟡 pic.twitter.com/dEIEBpDRNK

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) August 25, 2025

Over the past two seasons, the 21-year-old has bounced around between clubs in the country as often as basketball players bounce the ball in an attempt to gain attention. So far, it appears to have worked for Etta Eyong, who may well become the next hot prospect in Catalunya very soon.

A Career With No Spikes

Etta Eyong’s early rise so far in Spanish football has gone completely under the radar – he has yet to find himself in the spotlight among most fans, but many people who closely follow La Liga would have heard of this kid, who has so far just kept getting better.

Starting his career playing for his local club in Douala, situated on the eastern coast of Cameroon, Etta Eyong quickly found himself heading through the Strait of Gibraltar and into Spain, playing in southern Spain for Cadiz. During his time spent with Cadiz, he was deployed within their youth setup, eventually making his senior debut for their B side.

Etta Eyong then headed to the eastern province of Castellón to don the yellow jersey for the 2024/25 season. After an ever-successful spell for Villarreal’s B team, where he scored 19 goals in just 30 appearances, the young starlet was deservedly rewarded with four first-team features toward the end of the campaign – although they all came as a late substitute. However, despite not being given ample opportunity to really prove himself in a starting role, he did still manage a goal in this time.

Over this past summer, however, after impressing in preseason, he earned that starting spot to lead the line alongside club captain Gerard Moreno and then Cote D’Ivoire’s Nicolas Pepe (yes, the Arsenal flop) as he gained valuable experience from the two veterans of the game. After his preseason goal against the Gunners, Etta Eyong started the La Liga season superbly, finding a goal on his full debut, followed by an assist in each of the following two games.

His performances not only earned him a first international call-up to the Cameroon U-23 national team, but also a deadline day deal to Levante, where he has starred. A similar system with two up top, it didn’t take long for the 21-year-old to settle, as he has found a goal in each of his first three games against some top Spanish sides, including both Real Betis and Real Madrid.

After monitoring him over the past summer and considering the option of triggering Etta Eyong’s then release clause of €10m, Barca missed out on him after it was reported that they could not afford to pay the clause; they do continue to scout Etta Eyong, however, although his release clause has now risen a further €30m, with Levante fully aware of their new arrival’s admirers.

What Does Etta Eyong Offer Barca?

Firstly, the age factor is an aspect of this prospective transfer that will be at the forefront of the sporting directors’ minds at the Camp Nou. Although Robert Lewandowski doesn’t seem to be showing signs of slowing down anytime soon, he is 37, so it is something that is inevitable. Moreover, Barca’s objective has seemed to focus heavily on developing or signing young talent during their recent rebuild period – something in which Etta Eyong certainly fits the bill for.

For example, players such as Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, and Lamine Yamal have all been absolutely critical during the past few seasons, and Etta Eyong’s youth and excitement could help sustain the success of Barca’s front three for years to come.

Furthermore, Hansi Flick focuses on players who are technically sound and potent finishers in front of goal. Again, Etta Eyong becomes the perfect candidate. The 21-year-old isn’t just someone who will score either, as he possesses the technical skill to find his teammates and create chances, as suggested by his three assists accompanying his four strikes this season.

He has already showcased his skills to complete an intricate pass or find the space to either run into and create space for his teammates or to dribble into to find a complex pass.

🎥 Etta Eyong Highlights

📰 FC Barcelona are rumored to be interested in signing the player

❓What are your thoughts on him?

pic.twitter.com/k1EvwAm3jr

— Barça Spaces (@BarcaSpaces) August 25, 2025

At times Etta Eyong has experienced lapses in concentration; however, that could potentially be because he is developing and has only featured in a handful of games in the Spanish top-flight, so there is still plenty of time to hone his skills for another season or so, when Barca may decide to make their move.

Could There Be a Move to Barca on the Cards?

So far, Etta Eyong’s career has been as smooth as a baby’s bottom. So, although he has not yet faced any difficulties in his career, when he inevitably does, it could be a question as to how he will deal with a potential dip in form.

Without a doubt, he is a star in the making, and switching to Levante rather than pursuing a move to Catalunya may well be the best decision he will make. Another season to get comfortable within the elite tier of Spanish football, and regular minutes for a newly promoted side is the perfect audition for life in the first tier.

There is no question that Etta Eyong’s career in Spain has been close to perfection, and it comes as no surprise that he finds himself on the radar of one of the biggest clubs on the planet. His career delivers a lot of promise, and so far, there are not many issues to address. These difficulties will soon come, but there is no doubt that we could see Etta Eyong as a Barcelona player as soon as next season, and he could become a future sensation at the Camp Nou.