Everton’s deadline-day move for Abde Ezzalzouli collapses after €43m offer

Everton’s attempt to sign Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli failed on the final day of the summer transfer window after the Spanish club rejected an offer worth up to €43m (£35m).

The proposal consisted of €35m in guaranteed payments, with the remaining €8m linked to performance-related add-ons, according to a report by Mundo Deportivo.

Real Betis turned down the bid on Tuesday, despite the Morocco international having impressed during the previous season. Ezzalzouli’s contract includes a €60m release clause, while Barcelona are entitled to about 20% of any transfer fee received by Real Betis.

The move would have represented a significant late investment from Everton, who endured a frustrating end to the transfer window as several attempts to strengthen their attack came to nothing.

The Premier League club had first tried to complete a deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun passed his medical, but the transfer ultimately failed to go through. Everton had already sold Beto and Iliman Ndiaye in an effort to raise funds for the proposed move.

Everton also made unsuccessful efforts to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United and Tammy Abraham from Aston Villa. With those options unavailable, the club turned to Ezzalzouli in the closing stages of the window, only for Real Betis to refuse the approach.

Ezzalzouli had been one of Real Betis’ notable performers last season. His progress was interrupted by a serious injury, which ruled him out of the most recent World Cup.

The winger’s contract situation helped shape Everton’s approach. Although his release clause stands at €60m, the bid reported by Mundo Deportivo fell short of that figure and depended partly on future variables. Barcelona’s retained share of around one-fifth of a potential sale would also affect how any transfer fee was distributed.

For Everton, the failed pursuit capped a difficult deadline day, with the club unable to secure Balogun, Zirkzee or Abraham before making the late move for Ezzalzouli. Real Betis’ decision ensured the Morocco international remained with the club after the transfer window closed.

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