Barcelona’s long-standing strategy of retaining a percentage of future sales in outgoing players has proven to be one of the club’s most effective financial levers in recent years.
And once again, this policy looks set to pay off.
As reported by SPORT, former Barça winger Ez Abde is beginning to attract major interest from across Europe, potentially bringing fresh income to the Catalan club thanks to their retained sell-on clause.
It must be noted that Abde left Barcelona in the summer of 2023 after recognising that consistent minutes would be difficult to secure amid fierce competition in the squad.
Determined to accelerate his development, he requested a move and accepted Real Betis’ offer.
The fellow La Liga side paid €7.5 million for 50% of his rights, giving the young winger a stage where he could play regularly and evolve without the pressure of the Camp Nou.
Strong performances attracting suitors
Ez Abde, Real Betis player
Ez Abde is generating a strong interest. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
While he showed flashes of brilliance during his Barça spell, Abde never quite found the continuity needed to take the next step.
This season, however, under Manuel Pellegrini, he has become a central figure. The winger has played 17 matches across all competitions, scoring six goals and five assists.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, as it is said that several major European clubs are now monitoring his progress closely, and at Barcelona, there is a quiet awareness that his rise could translate into an unexpected financial boost.
Giving away 30% rights
Although the Blaugrana currently hold only 20% of any future sale, that percentage could still produce significant income should Betis entertain substantial offers.
Originally, Barça retained 50% of Abde’s rights, but this figure was reduced when Betis agreed to assist in facilitating Vitor Roque’s move to Palmeiras, a compromise Barcelona accepted to resolve a separate transfer priority.
Regardless of that reduction, the potential sale of Abde would still provide welcome revenue for a club carefully managing every economic detail.