Joan Laporta remains firm in his idea of strengthening Barça with an eye on the future. His plan involves strategic signings at a good price. The goal is to find young talents who can perform in the long term.
The formula isn't new, but it is very effective. A few years ago, it was already used with a Canary Islands footballer named Pedri. Today, that success is remembered as one of the club's greatest recent moves.
Pedri and the step-by-step growth formula
When Pedri arrived at Barça, he didn't immediately join the culé discipline. He stayed at Las Palmas to keep gaining experience. That decision allowed the Tenerife native to mature and land in Barcelona prepared.
The result was impeccable: Pedri established himself in record time. His progression became an example for the youth academy and the board. That's why Laporta is looking to repeat the strategy with another promising youngster.
Etta Eyong, the talent following in Pedri's footsteps
This new talent is named Etta Eyong, one of Africa's brightest prospects. Barça has practically closed his signing. The investment would be around five million euros, considered a bargain by the board.
The interesting thing about the move is that Eyong wouldn't join immediately. The idea is to leave him at Villarreal for a couple of seasons before seeing him at Camp Nou. This way, he could arrive in 2026 with more experience and solidity.
Villarreal, the perfect destination for Etta Eyong
Barça trusts keeping his loan at Villarreal will be key for his development. There, Marcelino will be able to keep guiding him in a competitive environment. The Spanish league is shaping up as the best stage for his evolution.
Just as happened with Pedri during his time in the second division, the aim is for Etta to grow without the immediate pressure of Camp Nou. The yellow environment could offer him minutes, confidence, and the space needed to progress. In fact, he has already shown he's ready for it with a goal and an assist in his first two matches in La Liga.
Pedri, the mirror to look into
The Canary Islander's success shows that waiting can yield extraordinary results. Laporta wants Etta to follow those same steps. The Cameroonian has physical and technical qualities that make him a very interesting prospect.
Barça is waiting for him patiently, convinced that the progressive maturation formula is the most suitable. The year 2026 is marked as his definitive debut year.