Barcelona sound out ex-winger shining in La Liga as summer planning begins | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are seemingly looking to significantly strengthen their team going into the next summer transfer window, and, although not a top priority, one of the areas they will be looking to reinforce is that of the left wing, where the future of Marcus Rashford is still hanging in the balance.

Meanwhile, the Catalans have been linked with several other players for this position as well, and it seems that they have already started working to make some initial inquiries.

This is quite clear from a report from Mundo Deportivo, which reports that Barcelona made contact with Real Betis last week to ask about the situation of Ez Abde, on whom they still have 20% rights.

The Moroccan winger, now 24, left Barcelona for Betis in 2023 in a deal worth €7.3 million, and although the operation included a buy-back option and a 50% share of any future sale at the time, those terms were later adjusted following the agreement involving Vitor Roque’s move to Palmeiras in early 2025, leaving Barça with around 20% of his rights.

Since joining Betis, Abde has continued his development in a clear upward trajectory and has become an important player for Manuel Pellegrini. He has featured regularly this season, missing only due to an early injury and his involvement with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he also stood out with four goals and strong performances. He has also added important minutes and contributions in both the Europa League and the Copa del Rey.

However, any potential move is currently complicated by Betis securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, a factor that significantly strengthens their position and makes any negotiation far more difficult at this stage.

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

The winger is also under contract until 2029 and has a release clause set at €60 million, which further reinforces the Andalusian club’s control over his future.

For now, Barcelona’s approach has been limited to initial enquiries to understand the situation, with no formal move underway. Even so, the player’s profile, his growth since leaving the club, and his status as a former youth talent keep his name on the radar, while interest from Premier League sides such as Newcastle and Aston Villa also remains present.

With a long summer ahead and Abde set to feature with Morocco at the World Cup, it is still a case that remains open on several fronts.