Barcelona set for windfall as Roma line up €60m move for Abde Ezzalzouli

Barcelona are poised to profit significantly from the summer transfer window, with Roma pushing to sign Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli in a deal that could reach €60m.

The Morocco international has emerged as a leading target for the Serie A club after their attempts to land Antonio Nusa from RB Leipzig stalled, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Roma are reported to be preparing an offer worth €55m plus a further €5m in bonuses, a package that would bring the total value very close to the €60m release clause in Ezzalzouli’s contract with Real Betis.

Betis open to sale if clause is met

Real Betis are understood not to be opposed to selling the 22-year-old, but any transfer would require the player’s approval as well as an offer that fully matches his release clause.

Sport reports that Betis will insist on the €60m figure being met before sanctioning a move, while also ensuring Ezzalzouli is willing to make the switch to Serie A.

Roma, who have turned to Ezzalzouli after being unable to conclude a deal for Nusa, now appear to be in pole position as they step up negotiations with the La Liga side.

Barcelona eyeing 20% sell-on profit

Barcelona are closely monitoring the situation, not with a view to bringing Ezzalzouli back to Camp Nou, but because of the financial boost they stand to receive if the transfer goes through.

The Catalan club still retain 20% of the winger’s economic rights. A sale at the full €60m clause would therefore earn Barcelona around €11m, providing a timely injection of funds.

Sport details how Barcelona initially sold 50% of Ezzalzouli’s rights to Real Betis for €7.5m. They later agreed to relinquish a further 30% as part of the deal that ended Vitor Roque’s loan and allowed him to move to Palmeiras, while keeping a 20% stake in the player’s economic rights.

Premier League and Saudi interest

Ezzalzouli has also drawn attention from the Premier League, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa both having tracked his situation.

However, Aston Villa are said to have dropped their interest after completing the signing of Alejandro Garnacho, while Newcastle United continue to follow developments without yet matching Roma’s level of intent.

According to Sport, the winger has received offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League as well, but his preference is to remain in European football at this stage of his career.

No Barcelona return planned

Despite Hansi Flick’s desire to strengthen Barcelona’s wide options, a return for Ezzalzouli is not on the agenda this summer.

Barcelona have already reinforced their attacking line with the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, and have not considered re-signing the Moroccan, even as his market value has risen sharply.

That leaves Roma as the current frontrunners for his signature, with Newcastle United keeping an eye on proceedings and Real Betis ready to cash in – provided any bid reaches the full €60m release clause and Ezzalzouli agrees to the move.