The former Barcelona star and head coach was hugely imprsessed with the Moroccan at the Nou Camp
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez speaks to Abde Ezzalzouli in 2021
Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez speaks to Abde Ezzalzouli in 2021
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Newcastle United are weighing up a move for a man once hailed as a 'marvel' by Spanish football legend Xavi.
The Magpies have several options on their transfer radar as they look to replace Anthony Gordon on the left-hand side of their forward line.
While losing Victor Munoz to Liverpool was a blow for Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson, they have other irons in fire, including Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli.
The Morocco winger has been scouted several times by Newcastle, although he has had to pull out of his country's World Cup campaign after picking up a knee injury.
Ezzalzouli came through the ranks at Heracles in Spain, before earning a move to Barcelona in 2021, where he worked under legendary Spanish midfielder Xavi.
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The 113-times capped Spain international was at the helm at the Nou Camp for three years, and handed Ezzalzouli his first taste of action for the Catalan giants.
He was quick to make an impression as one of several exciting new stars, and speaking after a win over Osasuna in 2021, Xavi was keen to praise the youngster.
Abde Ezzalzouli of Barcelona
Abde Ezzalzouli during his time at Barcelona(Image: Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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"Abde is extraordinary, as well as Nico and Gavi too," he said. "The youngsters are supporting the team, they are the ones who make the difference, and that is difficult to digest.
"Abde is a dagger, a marvel, a surprise. It is great news but I already said that it is also the negative that young people are the ones who stand out the most."
Ezzalzouli moved on to Betis in 2023 and has become on of La Liga's most dangerous wingers, scoring 15 goals and adding 13 assists in all competitions last season.
He has a release clause believed to be in the region of £50m, which makes him significantly more expensive than Munoz, but the 24-year-old would also come with plenty of experience.
Newcastle United are aiming to rebuild a squad capable of firing them back to the Champions League this summer, with a huge transfer window ahead of us. With players likely to leave and a host of names linked with a move to St James' Park, it's going to be a fascinating few months.
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