News Focus
- Barcelona contacted Real Betis last week to discuss the availability of Ez Abde
- The Catalan side are unlikely to pay the €30 million option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently
- Abde previously left Barcelona for Betis in 2022 for €7.5 million
- Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also asked about the Moroccan
- Barcelona retain a 20 per cent sell-on clause that could lower the transfer cost
FC Barcelona have stepped up their hunt for a left-sided attacker by making an official enquiry for former player Ez Abde. The La Liga giants are actively seeking cheaper alternatives to Marcus Rashford, who has been playing in that role during his loan spell from Manchester United.
The Catalan club have marked three positions as priorities for the summer window. A number nine remains their main target, followed by a central defender. A left winger is also on their wish list, but only if their budget allows after addressing the first two areas.
Rashford moved to Camp Nou with a €30 million purchase option included in the loan deal. However, Barcelona are reluctant to trigger this clause at the current price. Manchester United have shown no willingness to reduce the fee, which has forced the Spanish side to explore other targets.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona approached Real Betis last week to test the waters over Abde’s signature. The 23-year-old has delivered strong displays this season, drawing attention from clubs across Europe.
Both Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also registered their interest in the Morocco international. Betis are expected to demand between €25 million and €35 million for the player, despite his release clause being set at €60 million. Abde’s contract with the Seville-based club runs until 2029.
Barcelona originally sold Abde to Betis three years ago for €7.5 million, inserting a 50 per cent sell-on clause at the time. Following a recent arrangement involving Vitor Roque’s loan move, Barcelona still hold a 20 per cent stake in any future sale. This percentage would effectively serve as a discount should they move to re-sign him.
Nevertheless, persuading Abde to return may prove challenging. The winger reportedly has concerns about securing regular minutes at Camp Nou, where he would compete with Raphinha for a starting spot. Abde currently enjoys guaranteed football at Betis and views consistent playing time as essential for his career.
Other candidates under consideration include Andreas Schjelderup and Jan Virgili. Manager Hansi Flick, who recently committed his future to the club until 2028, is eager to finalise his attacking options early in the transfer window.