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Manchester United to battle Manchester City and Barcelona for Levante striking sensation

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 10:09 AM ET

Manchester United face competition from Manchester City and Barcelona for Karl Etta Eyong

Manchester United have still been looking for new strikers in the transfer market as the January transfer window knocks on the door. When this interest from the Red Devils has cropped up in the media, we have murmurs claiming that United scouts are closely monitoring Karl Etta Eyong playing in the La Liga for Levante, and also grabbing attention with his performances on the field.

The report is none other than from the reputed Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo. They have revealed that United have been joined by their city rivals Manchester City and La Liga giants FC Barcelona for his signature. The competitive attention on the 22-year-old striker reveals how he has grown in stature in the Spanish top-flight football.

If we talk about the shining traits of the Cameroon striker, he is extremely pacey and has been impressive while leading the line for Levante. The 22-year-old has grown up through the youth ranks at Cadiz and made his senior debut in early 2024, before he made his move to Villarreal’s B team in August 2024. Etta Eyong has registered six goals and three assistsin 10 matches across competitions so far in the ongoing 2025/26 season.

The striker’s speed, movement off the ball, and sharp finishing make him one of the Spanish league’s standout young forwards. His €30 million release clause for Spanish clubs could tempt Barcelona, while English sides must pay around €40 million. Manchester City are probably viewing him as a potential understudy to Erling Haaland, while United weigh their options as Sevilla prepare a January loan move for Joshua Zirkzee, who feels frustrated by his limited game time.

What Manchester United Should Consider Now?

Now, United should not only be looking at him from the point of view of a young forward, but they also have to consider the right fit at the right time. Etta Eyong certainly has all the traits that the team might need: clever movement of the ball, composure under pressure and clinical finishing, but the Red Devils will still be in a dilemma.

Should United invest so much in another developing striker while they have already invested a whopping amount of money in a young Benjamin Sesko in 2025? Or should they sign a more experienced player to stabilise the attack?

On top of that, Etta Eyong may prefer Barcelona. His playing style will suit their fluid attacking rhythm, and the chance to succeed Robert Lewandowski could strongly attract him. However, United can still present a strong case.

The Premier League offers the biggest platform, and the club’s focus on developing young talent could appeal to him. However, United can’t afford to hesitate. If they delay, City or Barcelona might act first. With Zirkzee possibly leaving on loan, United risk thinning their attacking depth further.

Now, United’s scouting team must decide whether Etta Eyong fits their long-term vision or crowds their attacking system. His pace and positional instincts should impress, but at the same time, his lack of top-level experience will demand patience. The club must either trust their ability to develop him or watch another young star flourish elsewhere. This decision will shape more than the next transfer window; it will show whether United still know how to identify and secure true talent before their rivals.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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