Report: Barcelona closely following former academy goalkeeper | OneFootball

It seems like Dani Olmo might not be the only former La Masia prospect that Barcelona are looking to sign. According to reputed journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Catalans are keeping a close watch on AFC Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The 25-year-old started out at the academy of former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o in his homeland, Cameroon, before making his way to La Masia in 2010. Onana spent more than four years on the club’s books before eventually moving on to Ajax in January 2015.

Having made his debut a year later, Onana went on to establish himself as the first-choice for the Dutch giants, making 204 appearances, in which he has 83 clean sheets.

Onana, however, has not featured for the Eredivisie outfit since January earlier this year after having been hit with a doping ban which runs till November. And with his contract set to run out at the end of the season, the Cameroonian international will be available on a free transfer next summer.

And, it seems like Barcelona are ready to make a swoop for their former academy ace. The Catalans could be needing a new backup goalkeeper with current second-choice, Neto, keen on leaving Camp Nou.

Indeed, the Brazilian was intent on securing an exit in the summer transfer window itself, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury meant manager Ronald Koeman decided to keep hold of him. However, that might not be the case next year.

And even though academy prospect Inaki Pena has been previously tipped to step up and become the backup shot-stopper, Barcelona could be eyeing a more experienced option in the form of Onana.

However, the Blaugrana are not the only club eyeing the Cameroonian, with reigning Serie A champions also keen. The Nerazzurri see him as the ideal replacement for ageing captain Samir Handanovic and have been in contact with his agent.