FC Barcelona are already working on plans to strengthen the squad for next, with the club’s main objective being winning the UEFA Champions League.
A new centre-forward, a centre-back, and a left-winger have been identified as the main priorities for the transfer window. And with the La Liga title secured, the focus has shifted to working on potential targets for the summer.
Barcelona sound out Ez Abde
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have made enquiries about one of their former talents: current Real Betis winger Ez Abde.
The Catalan club made contact last week to learn more about the player’s current situation at Real Betis, with the player on their shortlist for the left wing.
The Morocco international was sold to Betis in September 2023 for €7.3 million. Barça also retained a buy-back option and 50% of the rights in the event of a future sale to another club.
Those conditions were later modified after Barça asked Betis to terminate Vitor Roque’s loan spell early so they could sell him to Palmeiras during the winter transfer window of 2025. In exchange, the Blaugrana gave up an additional 30% of Abde’s rights.
Barcelona keeping an eye on Abde. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Since then, Abde has developed enormously and has become a key player for Manuel Pellegrini. The Moroccan international has featured in 27 of Betis’ 36 league matches this term, scoring and assisting nine goals each.
He has also played 12 Europa League matches, scoring four times and assisting three, as well as adding a goal and an assist in the Copa del Rey.
Alongside Barça, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also monitoring the player closely.
However, there is currently one major factor preventing any immediate exit from Betis. The Andalusian club have mathematically secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, which is hugely important for both the club and the player.
Abde remains under contract until 30 June 2029 and has a €60 million release clause.
That initial contact made it clear that this situation is currently slowing down any potential departure for the 24-year-old winger. Even so, it is expected to be a long summer due to the World Cup, where Abde will represent Morocco.
