Espanyol starlet responds to Barcelona transfer rumours – ‘Whatever has to happen will happen’ | OneFootball

With Barcelona on the lookout for a new right-back heading into the summer transfer window, a couple of players from La Liga have been touted as possible targets.

One of those players believed to be on the Blaugrana’s agenda is RCD Espanyol youngster Omar El Hilali.

The 21-year-old right-back has already turned down Barcelona twice in his youth career in favour of their local rivals and has now established himself as a first-team regular for Espanyol.

With his progress catching Barça’s eye, it appears that Deco & co. are considering a summer move for El Hilali, who has a €15 million release clause in his contract.

Omar El Hilali addresses rumours

Now, speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, El Hilali has addressed the speculations linking him to Barcelona.

The 21-year-old right-back did not definitively rule out a move to Espanyol’s bitter rivals but instead stated that his agents will take care of whatever offers and proposals he receives.

Omar El Hilali has been linked with Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“This news has reached me through friends, who send it to you and so on. Just as I haven’t received anything about this one, I haven’t received any of the others that have come out,” said El Hilali.

“Everything that comes in, my agents are the ones who have to evaluate it, and that’s why they have their job. And, from then on, whatever has to happen will happen at that moment,” he added.

On being asked if his €15 million release clause is too high or too low, El Hilali replied:

“It seems a lot to me (laughs). It’s a figure I’ve never heard in my life. You could never say that a club would pay that for you.

“But well, if a club pays it I suppose it’s because they really want you and because they feel you can fit into their scheme. From there, it’s up to Espanyol and my agents to assess what comes in.”