Barcelona could cash in as Ez Abde shines at Real Betis

Ez Abde’s emergence as one of La Liga’s most explosive wide players has handed FC Barcelona an unexpected but timely financial lifeline. The 21-year-old Moroccan winger, on loan at Real Betis, has delivered nine goals and six assists in 26 competitive appearances, statistics that have triggered a queue of Premier League and Serie A suitors willing to meet a €40 million valuation. Because Barcelona retained 20 per cent of Abde’s economic rights when sanctioning his temporary move to Andalucía, any deal struck at that price would immediately channel roughly €8 million back to the Camp Nou coffers—cash the club desperately needs to satisfy La Liga’s stringent salary-cap regulations.

Betis sporting director Ramón Planes has already rebuffed bids during the winter window, yet sources close to the negotiations expect the summer market to test the club’s resolve. English journalist Ekrem Konur reports that Newcastle United have positioned themselves at the front of the pack, while Aston Villa, Everton and West Ham maintain active scouting dossiers on the player. West Ham’s pursuit, however, could hinge on their top-flight status; relegation would likely cool their interest in a transfer that would also carry annual wages of €5–6 million for the player.

Abde’s raw numbers only hint at his influence. Averaging 4.5 successful dribbles per match, he glides past markers, stretches back lines and creates space in the final third, attributes that have turned Betis’ counter-attacks into one of the league’s most potent weapons. Napoli have monitored his progress since last autumn, but the Premier League quartet’s financial muscle makes England the likeliest destination.

For Barcelona, the situation is a rare piece of welcome news. Club accountants have spent the past two seasons scrambling to offload high-earners and restructure debt; an €8 million injection from an Abde sale would arrive without the political cost of sacrificing a first-team regular. Betis, meanwhile, must weigh the temptation of a record-equalling transfer against losing a player who has become central to their European ambitions.

With talks expected to intensify once the season concludes, all parties recognise that the coming window could produce an offer too lucrative to refuse. Barcelona will be watching from afar, ready to convert one of their academy graduates’ success stories into much-needed liquidity.