Man Utd striker target makes January transfer decision after 'improved offer'

Cameron Smith

Updated: 19 Jan 2026 13:43 GMT
4 min read

Manchester United target Karl Etta Eyong has reportedly rejected the chance to join CSKA Moscow in favour of remaining at Levante until this summer.

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The Cameroon international has registered nine goal contributions in 17 La Liga games so far this season and he was heavily linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd following an electric start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Current ETV

Karl Etta Eyong

F (C)

Levante

Karl Etta Eyong

F (C)

Levante

ETV Range

€21.5M - €26.3M

Rumours of a move to the Premier League have died down in recent weeks, although it’s reported that several English top flight teams are still keeping close tabs on his development at Levante.

Barcelona and CSKA Moscow are also interested in signing Eyong, however the latter have now failed with a fresh bid for the 22-year-old, as per Ben Jacobs.

The transfer reporter posted on X: “CSKA Moscow made an improved offer for Levante striker Etta Eyong exceeding €30m.`

“Eyong has rejected the move to Russia and remains focused on seeing out the season with Levante before deciding his next step. Barcelona and EPL clubs remain interested.”

Will Man Utd sign a new striker in 2026?

After landing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for a fee of €76.5m last summer, Man Utd looked as though they may have solved their centre forward woes.

However, the Slovenia international has only scored five goals in 19 games since his arrival at Old Trafford and he was an unused substitute during the Red Devils’ 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday, with Bryan Mbeumo favoured through the middle.

It’s reported that Ruben Amorim wanted to sign an experienced striker in January before his sacking, amid Sesko’s struggles, although the club were unwilling to accept his request as they continued their pursuit of younger signings.

Furthermore, Man Utd are expected to prioritise the addition of at least one new central midfielder this year, with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton all being closely monitored by the club’s hierarchy.

As a result, a move for a new striker may be on the backburner, despite Eyong’s decision to reject CSKA Moscow.

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