How Everton’s €43m bid for Morocco star Abde Ezzalzouli was rejected by Real Betis

Morocco international Abdel Samad Ezzalzouli’s proposed move to the Premier League collapsed on transfer deadline day after Real Betis rejected a reported €43m (£37m) offer from Everton.

The Spanish club turned down the bid, which consisted of €35m guaranteed plus additional performance-related payments, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Zalzouli, widely known as Abde, has a €60m release clause in his contract, while former club Barcelona are also entitled to around 20% of any future transfer fee.

The failed move means the Moroccan winger remains at Betis despite late interest from the Premier League.

Everton turn to Morocco winger after striker setbacks

Everton’s approach for Zalzouli came during a difficult final day of the summer transfer window.

The Premier League side had reportedly been pursuing attacking reinforcements after a series of unsuccessful attempts to complete other deals.

Their proposed move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun also fell through after the transfer failed to materialise despite the club’s efforts to complete the deal.

Everton had also explored moves for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham before turning their attention to Zalzouli.

However, Betis rejected the offer and prevented the Moroccan international from becoming the latest African player to secure a move to England’s top flight.

Betis determined to keep key attacker

Zalzouli established himself as an important player for Betis following a series of impressive performances last season.

The 24-year-old’s progress was later disrupted by a serious injury, which also ruled him out of the most recent World Cup.

Despite that setback, his performances for the Seville-based club have continued to attract attention, with Everton’s deadline-day bid underlining his growing reputation.

For now, however, Zalzouli’s immediate future remains in Spain as Betis look to retain one of Morocco’s most talented attacking players.

Barcelona’s financial interest in any future sale and the winger’s €60m release clause could also remain important factors should other clubs return with offers in a future transfer window.