News Focus
- FC Barcelona need a new left winger for next season.
- Real Betis star Abde Ezzalzouli is now their main target.
- The Catalan club cannot afford Newcastle United’s high price for Anthony Gordon.
- Barcelona own 20 per cent of Abde’s rights from his previous sale.
- The Morocco international has scored 13 goals in 39 matches this term.
FC Barcelona are searching for a new left-sided attacker this summer. The Spanish giants have made Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli their top choice. This comes after they learned that Newcastle United want too much money for Anthony Gordon.
The Catalan club had looked at Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. However, United demand €30 million for the England star. Barcelona refuse to pay this fee. They also met with Gordon’s agents this week. Reports suggest the Newcastle forward would cost more than €80 million. This price is too high for the La Liga leaders.
Abde offers a much cheaper option. The Morocco international has played well at Betis this term. He has found the net 13 times and set up 13 goals in 39 matches. Barcelona sold him to Betis in the past. They kept a 20 per cent sell-on clause. This means they would pay less to bring him back. Experts think Betis might accept €25 million for the 23-year-old.
Other names on the list include Jan Virgili from RCD Mallorca. The Norwegian teenager Andreas Schjelderup from Benfica was also linked. But interest in Schjelderup has cooled. Virgili remains only a budget option.
Barcelona may also sell current winger Raphinha. If he leaves, they will need a replacement even more. Abde fits their needs and their budget better than the other options.