Eyong’s Stellar Performance in La Liga Attracts European Giants

Eyong’s remarkable ascent in La Liga has made him one of Europe’s most desirable young forwards.

Having transferred to Levante from Villarreal this summer for €3 million, Eyong has been outstanding, netting six goals in the league and quickly establishing himself as the linchpin of his team’s offensive play. He has expressed a particular admiration for Chelsea, revealing that a move to the London club would fulfill a lifelong dream inspired by his African footballing idols. In an interview with GiveMeSport, he shared his deep reverence for Chelsea and what it symbolizes for him.

“Growing up, Chelsea was the English team I probably watched the most because of Drogba, and Eto’o was there for a year as well,” Eyong remarked. “Chelsea have often signed incredible African players. There are many prominent clubs in England, but as for [joining] Chelsea, why not? It would be a dream for me to wear the Chelsea jersey.”

While Chelsea is reportedly keeping a close eye on Eyong, their current transfer priorities are concentrated on securing a new defender, suggesting that a potential acquisition of Eyong may need to wait until the summer.

Eyong’s burgeoning reputation has not gone unnoticed across Europe, generating considerable speculation regarding a possible transfer. However, according to Levante CEO Jose Danvila, the Spanish club has already declined a significant offer and is not in a hurry to part with their new star. Danvila confirmed that a €30 million (£26.3m) bid from Russian club CSKA Moscow was firmly rejected, even though it included an attractive salary for the striker.

“What I can tell you is that Barcelona and Real Madrid haven’t contacted Levante about Etta Eyong,” Danvila stated during an interview with Radio Marca. “We haven’t received any calls from the Premier League either. We received one firm offer for the player, but it has already been turned down. I am aware of many stories circulating about Etta; it is true that there is increasing interest, but he is not going to be sold this winter.”

FIFA regulations also limit Eyong from playing for a third club this season after already representing Villarreal and Levante, making a move before the summer impossible. Consequently, Levante is keen to retain him and is even contemplating offering improved terms to align with his exceptional form. Los Granotes see him as integral to their ambitions and believe his presence is crucial for achieving a top-half finish in La Liga.

While Chelsea remains Eyong’s dream destination, his performances have also caught the eye of Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona, both of which are closely monitoring his progress, viewing him as one of the most exciting attacking talents to emerge from La Liga this season. Eyong expressed that he is “flattered” by the attention but remains focused on his development at Levante.

“Eto’o was the best,” Eyong reflected, acknowledging one of his footballing idols. “He is one of my biggest influences. I admired him at Barcelona, and I would consider Lewandowski another role model, especially during his time at Dortmund. Lewandowski has consistently scored throughout his career, and it’s impressive what he is doing at Barcelona now. His finishing and intelligent movement are remarkable. I can learn a lot from him. When we face Barcelona next [in February at the Camp Nou], I hope to get Lewandowski’s shirt for my collection.”

He further added, “I’m truly flattered [to be linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid]. It signifies that my hard work is paying off. However, I must continue my journey with Levante and see what transpires in the future.

“I try not to check my phone frequently because my friends call me with all the rumors. I tell them, ‘I don’t know anything – I’ve just been on my PlayStation!’ I prefer playing Call of Duty, watching anime, or reading history books over worrying about speculation. If a significant move is meant to happen, it will only materialize if I continue to work hard.”

Despite reports indicating that Eyong may favor a move to Barcelona—highlighted by the resurfacing of an old photo of him in a Blaugrana shirt from 2017—the player himself insists he is open-minded about his next steps. He continues to express admiration for both La Liga and the Premier League, refraining from choosing between the two while reaffirming his commitment to Levante for the time being. For Eyong, the focus remains on enhancing his skills and letting the future unfold.

“I can’t choose between La Liga and the Premier League because I cherish both leagues,” Eyong stated. “I have already fulfilled my dream of playing in La Liga, and my next aspiration is to one day compete in the Premier League. I believe I possess the quality to succeed in the Premier League, and my playing style is well-suited to English football. I am physically strong and capable of linking up play. I enjoy watching Premier League matches, especially during the Boxing Day games. The players give it their all – 200 percent! What I love about the Premier League is that every match feels vital. But for now, my attention is solely on Levante, and I am disregarding all other news.”

For Levante, retaining their star player beyond this season will be challenging, as interest from various European clubs shows no signs of waning. Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are expected to revisit their scouting reports ahead of the summer transfer window, where a bidding war may ignite, with Manchester United and Arsenal also reported to be interested.