Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa could battle it out for Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli this summer.
On May 18th, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain of the Magpies and Aston Villa’s interest. Tottenham are also in the transfer chase.
Newcastle United already scouted the winger and his teammate, Cucho Hernández, earlier this month.
Eddie Howe’s side are in the process of completing Anthony Gordon’s sale to Barcelona for over €70m.
The left winger arrived in Spain on Thursday and Barcelona should soon make his signing official, forcing the Tyneside club to sign his replacement.
Newcastle United, Tottenham and Aston Villa keen
Friday’s edition of Sport state the Magpies could target Abde Ezzalzouli to replace Anthony Gordon.
The Morocco international is attracting a lot of interest from the Premier League, where Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are also his suitors. These two clubs have asked about him.
Real Betis have to balance their books before June 30th and can do it through selling the attacker or another player.
The 24-year-old’s value could increase if he shines at the World Cup.
Sport immediately state: ‘Now comes the moment of truth, and he will find it hard to say “no” if Newcastle goes all out to replace Gordon.’
There’s no explanation given why Abde can’t reject them, but that may not be the case as there are other clubs keen.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s side have made fresh contact in recent hours. They are aware delaying this operation could force them to enter into a bidding war later this summer.
Friday’s Mundo Deportivo also report Newcastle United want to sign the Moroccan. Real Betis plan to replace him with RCD Mallorca’s Jan Virgili, another former Barcelona player.
Hansi Flick’s side retain 20% and 40% of profit from Abe and Virgili’s sales respectively. Gordon’s move to the Camp Nou could have a domino effect, which in return can benefit the La Liga winners financially.
Impressive season with Real Betis
Abde Ezzalzouli finished the season with 15 goals and 13 assists from 43 matches for Real Betis.
This has seen him increase his value from €12m in June, as per Transfermarkt, to €30m now. His contract runs down in 2029.
It feels like Barca, via Sport, are pushing him towards Newcastle United over Tottenham, Aston Villa or other clubs. The Magpies are likely to have an interest but haven’t yet gone all out for him.