Etta Eyong: From €3m signing to Europe’s hot prospect
Since arriving from Villarreal last summer for €3 million, Etta Eyong has become the centerpiece of Levante’s attack, combining strength and precision to transform their front line. His performances have not only lifted the team but caught the eye of elite European clubs.
Rising to prominence
In an interview with GiveMeSport, the Cameroon-born forward revealed his admiration for Chelsea and the African legends who inspired him. “Growing up, Chelsea was the English team I probably watched the most because of Drogba, and Eto’o was there a year as well,” Eyong said.
He added that wearing the blue shirt of the London club would mark the fulfilment of a childhood ambition. “There are so many big clubs in England, but as for [joining] Chelsea, why not? It would be a dream for me to play for Chelsea.”
At present, Chelsea’s transfer focus remains elsewhere, with the club prioritizing a defensive signing in January. That means any move for Eyong is unlikely before the summer window.
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Offer rejected
Eyong’s emergence has led to a surge of interest across Europe, but Levante are standing firm. The club’s CEO, Jose Danvila, confirmed that a €30 million (£26.3m) offer from CSKA Moscow was rejected, describing the forward as “not for sale” this winter.
“What I can tell you is that Barcelona and Real Madrid haven’t contacted Levante about Etta Eyong,” Danvila told Radio Marca. “We received one firm offer for the player, but it has already been rejected.”
FIFA rules also prevent Eyong from joining a third team this season, as he has already appeared for both Villarreal and Levante. The restriction has strengthened Levante’s resolve to keep their new star until at least the summer.
The club are reportedly considering a pay rise to reward his performances and secure his commitment, seeing him as crucial to their aim of a top-half La Liga finish.
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Eyes from Spain
While Chelsea remains his dream destination, Eyong’s rise has not gone unnoticed by Spain’s biggest clubs. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both said to be monitoring his progress closely, viewing him as a long-term attacking option.
Speaking about those links, the striker said he was “flattered” but remains focused on his own growth. “Eto’o was the best,” he said, naming Samuel Eto’o and Robert Lewandowski among his greatest influences.
“I loved Eto’o at Barcelona, and I’d call Lewandowski another role model. He always seems to know the right time to ask for the ball. I can learn a lot from him,” Eyong explained, adding that he hopes to swap shirts with the Polish striker when Levante visit Camp Nou in February.
He admitted to ignoring most of the rumours: “My friends call me with all the gossip. I tell them, ‘I don’t know anything, I’ve just been on my PlayStation!’”
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Waiting for the right time
Though Spanish reports have surfaced of Eyong’s supposed preference for Barcelona, even resurfacing an old photo of him wearing their shirt, the striker insists his focus is on Levante. He says he admires both La Liga and the Premier League equally and is determined to keep improving.
“I can’t pick between La Liga and the Premier League because I love both leagues,” he said. “My dream was to play in La Liga, and another dream is to play in the Premier League. I think I have the quality to thrive there.”
Eyong described his passion for English football’s intensity, particularly around the festive period. “What I love about the Premier League is that every game feels important. But for now my focus is just on Levante and I am ignoring all other news.”
As Europe’s biggest clubs continue to track his progress, Levante face a major challenge in holding onto their talisman beyond this season. A transfer battle could erupt next summer, with Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid all expected to compete, and Manchester United and Arsenal potentially joining the race.
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