Back
According to a report by Barca Universal on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Aston Villa and Everton have identified Barcelona academy prospect Ebrima Tunkara as a potential transfer target ahead of future transfer windows.
Both Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring the 16-year-old attacking midfielder, who is regarded as one of the most promising talents currently developing at Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy.
Tunkara's impressive progress has attracted interest from several English clubs, with Aston Villa and Everton emerging as the sides showing the strongest desire to secure his signature.
The interest is believed to have increased following positive reports from English intermediaries who regularly visit Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva training complex.
Aston Villa have already had the chance to assess the teenager at close range after facing Barcelona's Juvenil A side in the UEFA Youth League earlier this week.
The match ended in a 3-3 draw, with Tunkara among Barcelona's standout performers after finding the back of the net and giving the English club another opportunity to evaluate his abilities.
The report further claims that efforts have been made to persuade the youngster to leave Barcelona and continue his development in England.
However, Barcelona are reportedly unfazed by the growing interest from the Premier League and remain determined to keep the highly rated midfielder.
The Spanish club views Tunkara as an important part of its long-term plans and has already taken steps to secure his future by extending his contract until 2029.
The teenager has also given no indication that he is considering leaving Barcelona, providing further encouragement to the club as it looks to retain one of its most promising academy graduates.
Born in Gambia, Tunkara joined Barcelona's youth system during the 2018/19 season and has gradually progressed through the club's academy ranks.
He is now regarded as one of the standout talents at La Masia, having reached several significant milestones despite being just 16 years old.
The attacking midfielder made his debut for Barcelona Atletic in February and has since established himself as an important member of the team managed by Juliano Belletti.
His performances have also caught the attention of Barcelona's first-team manager, Hansi Flick, who included him in the senior squad's pre-season preparations during the summer.
Tunkara reportedly impressed during that period, further strengthening his position in the club's plans for the future.
More recently, the youngster has been training regularly with Barcelona's first team following Dani Olmo's injury, giving him another opportunity to develop alongside established senior players.
Flick's decision to involve him in first-team training also reflects the club's confidence in his potential.
For Aston Villa and Everton, persuading Tunkara to leave Barcelona could be a difficult task considering the opportunities he is receiving and the club's determination to retain him.
Barcelona are keen to continue developing promising talents through La Masia rather than allowing them to move elsewhere before reaching their full potential.
With his contract running until 2029, the Catalan club is also in a strong position to resist interest from the two Premier League sides.