Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali is reportedly on Barcelona‘s radar ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Espanyol during the 2024-25 campaign, making 25 appearances in all competitions, including 24 outings in La Liga, where he has been a standout performer for his Catalan club.
El Hilali has a contract with the White and Blues until June 2027, but it is believed that he has a low release clause in his deal.
According to SPORT, Barcelona have been hugely impressed by the defender’s performances during the current season, with the Catalan outfit’s sporting director Deco said to be a huge admirer of the Moroccan.
Hansi Flick‘s side are bidding to bring a new right-back to the club this summer but want a low-cost option, as there are other areas of the squad in need of strengthening, particularly at centre-forward, as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski will be targeted.
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Barcelona ‘keen on summer deal for El Hilali’
El Hilali has been with Espanyol since 2016, progressing through the youth system at the club before making his first-team debut in 2021, and he has since represented their senior side on 75 occasions.
The Moroccan does not have any experience of European competitions, but Barcelona’s scouts are believed to be confident that he has the required quality to become an important squad player for the club.
Jules Kounde continues to operate at right-back for Barcelona despite being signed as a centre-back, and it is understood that Flick wants to bolster the squad with a specialist player in that position.
Hector Fort has made 14 appearances this season, with the 18-year-old a right-back, but there are question marks over his long-term future, having entered the final 18 months of his contract.
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Barcelona ‘also interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Garcia’
There is also a host of speculation surrounding the future of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with the 23-year-old expected to be on the move during this summer’s transfer window.
Garcia has made 25 appearances for Espanyol this season, and his form is believed to have attracted the interest of Barcelona, but Arsenal and Manchester United are also thought to be keen to bring him to the Premier League.
Espanyol director Fran Garagarza has admitted that Garcia could be allowed to leave this summer for less than the €30m (£24.8m) release clause in his deal.
“Clause or nothing? No. In the [last] summer window, with call from Arsenal in the last week, it has to be that [clause],” Garagarza said when discussing Arsenal’s failed move for him in last summer’s market.
“But if you get an offer on June 14th that isn’t the clause but is close in fixed and variable amounts, Espanyol are not going to say no. We can’t say no. If a club comes with €8m (£6.6m) for Joan García, that’s a bad sale, 100%.”
Due to their long-standing rivalry, Espanyol will be reluctant to sell both players to Barcelona, but the club would be in a very difficult situation if they do not avoid relegation from La Liga this season.
