The La Liga striker Everton once targeted is now attracting interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid

Photo By Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images

The La Liga striker Everton once targeted is now attracting interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid

Originally posted on HITC | By Olly Dawes | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 3:40 PM ET

Everton secured Thierno Barry from Villarreal during the summer window, and it’s now emerged that they also held an interest in his teammate Karl Etta Eyong.

David Moyes wasted little time after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exit, making a new striker his top priority.

The Toffees opted for Thierno Barry, hoping the Frenchman could provide fresh competition for Beto up front.

Barry is still searching for his first Premier League goal. While there have been promising moments, he still has some work to do to establish himself.

Karl Etta Eyong is the one that got away for Everton

After adding Barry to the squad, Everton were then linked with another forward from Villarreal. Spanish reports suggested that the Toffees had also expressed interest in Karl Etta Eyong.

The 22-year-old, who managed two goals in seven appearances for Villarreal’s first team, appeared to be on Everton’s radar at the time.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

However, it was Levante who secured his signature, and he has quickly become one of the breakout stars in La Liga. Etta Eyong has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 12 league matches for Levante this season.

Since being linked with Everton, he’s turned into a standout performer, and Levante are certainly reaping the rewards of their decision to sign him.

Barcelona and Real Madrid keeping tabs on Etta Eyong

SORT has reported that both Barcelona and Real Madrid have expressed interest in Etta Eyong, viewing him as a potential long-term addition up front.

It’s not unusual for young strikers in form to be linked with moves to Spain’s top two clubs, and Etta Eyong is now finding himself in that conversation.

Everton are unlikely to be able to compete with the pulling power of Barca or Real if either club decides to make a serious move.

Give Me Sport adds that CSKA Moscow have already had a €30 million (£26.5m) bid rejected ahead of the January window.

Etta Eyong’s stock has risen quickly, and there’s a real chance he could price himself out of Everton’s reach before too long.

The Toffees have shifted focus toward Franculino Dju instead, but even he is drawing plenty of attention thanks to his strong performances for Midtjylland.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: