Barcelona will have to shell out €40 million to sign 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy from fellow La Liga club Almeria.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Dion Lopy is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are in the market for a holding midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window. But they will need to cough up €40 million to sign the 22-year-old from fellow La Liga club Almeria. Meanwhile, a top Premier League club will also look to sign him.
Who is Dion Lopy?
Dion Lopy has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in La Liga since joining Almeria last summer. A native of Bambilor, he spent most of his formative years in his homeland before arriving in Europe in October 2020. The Senegalese international spent three years with Stade Reims before arriving in Spain.
The 22-year-old has been a regular for Almeria this season, turning out 24 times thus far across all competitions. While the Red and Whites are the favourites to suffer relegation from La Liga, the youngster has given a good account of himself. So, it is hardly surprising that Lopy has captured the attention of several well-known clubs.
The report suggests that Serie A clubs are keen on prising him away from Almeria in the summer transfer window. In addition, a top Premier League club will look to sign Dion Lopy ahead of the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, the youngster is also a target for Barcelona.
Barcelona Calling?
Barcelona’s interest in Lopy is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are in the market for a holding midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. Barcelona parted ways with Sergio Busquets at the end of the 2022/23 season, and his departure has left a gaping hole in the midfield unit.
While Oriol Romeu arrived last summer, he has been a bit-part player for Barcelona. So, it behoves Barcelona to invest in a holding midfielder, with Amadou Onana among the targets. But Dion Lopy is also an option worth considering due to his experience in La Liga. Meanwhile, Almeria will demand €40 million to part ways with the 22-year-old.
The Senegalese international has a release clause in his contract, meaning Barcelona cannot sign him for less than that sum. That might pose a problem, considering the club’s never-ending financial issues.
