Barcelona ends pursuit of Eta Iong from Levante as transfer market heats up
28 January 2026
Overview
Clear Barcelona plan to sign a Lewandowski successor today.
Barcelona has made a final decision to drop the pursuit of Eta Iong from Levante, despite the player's standout performances this season.
According to the Spanish daily Sport, Eta Iong has become one of the transfer market’s brightest jewels thanks to his high-level performances with Levante, plus a good showing in his first Africa Cup of Nations tournament thus increasing his profile.
They had shown interest last summer before he joined Levante for 3 million euros, a deal seen as promising at the time, while his release clause now sits at 30 million euros.
Barcelona asked about the player during the closing days of August, but Villarreal stood firm on triggering the 10 million euro clause as part of negotiations.
Back then, Iong looked attractive for Barça given his price and the potential to groom him with the youth side or on loan.
No one denies the winger's current growth, and Barça maintains good relations with his representatives; Iong himself favors a move to the Blaugrana right now.
Nevertheless, Barça decided not to enter a bidding war for the Cameroonian striker, especially knowing English clubs are ready to approach paying the 30 million euro clause in this winter window.
His representatives have been informed of Barça's decision, and agents are listening to other offers now.
Barça remains committed to signing a top-class replacement if Lewandowski leaves after June 30, and they want a worthy replacement soon.
Punchline 1: If football transfer rumors paid rent, we'd all own a villa.
Punchline 2: In the game of transfer sagas, even the coffee breaks get sponsored.
