Crystal Palace have made an enquiry about the availability of Abde Ezzalzouli with La Liga champions Barcelona mulling over the future of the young winger.
With Moussa Dembele gone and a place opening up on the left-hand side of Barcelona’s frontline, Abde Ezalzouli was offered the opportunity to stake his claim during last week’s La Liga opener against Getafe.
But as Xavi’s side failed to breach Jose Bordalas’ iron-clad backline yet again – Barca’s ‘bogey side’ claiming yet another well-earned point against the Blaugrana – those tuning into Abde’s disappointing 45-minute cameo may have witnessed that final chance to impress slip through the youngster’s fingers.
According to FootMercato, Abde could now leave the Camp Nou before next week’s deadline. There is interest from Crystal Palace and a Bayer Leverkusen side who recently lost star man Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa.
Crystal Palace eye Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli
The report adds that Abde is currently giving priority to Real Betis, having agreed terms. But Betis appear in no position to make any further signings without first getting a player or two off the wage bill, as indicated this week by president Angel Haro (Marca).
Tricky and skilful, Abde was the joker in the Moroccan pack as the Atlas Lions became the first African side ever to the reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar. The 21-year-old former Osasuna loanee is, furthermore, something of a typical modern-day Crystal Palace signing. From Michael Olise to Ebere Eze, Cheick Doucoure to Matheus Franca, Palace have made it their mission to make Selhurst Park home to ambitious, technically-gifted youngsters.
Sporting Lisbon’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is another target; a bid reportedly lodged earlier this month.
“Abde is extraordinary,” Xavi said of the La Masia graduate back in 2021. “The youngsters are supporting the team, they are the ones who make the difference.”
Abde scored six goals in 34 games on loan at Osasuna last term.
“He’s a special player,” beamed Osasuna boss Jagoba Arraste. “He is different in every way. He is a super affectionate guy, and all the people love him a lot.
“We cannot limit that talent or tell him ‘you have to do this, this and that’. No. Because he has so much talent, our job is to create the best ecosystem for him so that he receives (the ball) in areas with little traffic and can play one-v-one.
“Generate situations so that he can shine.”
Should Palace win the race for Abde’s signature, Roy Hodgson could do worse than to take Arrasate’s advice on board.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
