Barcelona could cash in as Roma step up pursuit of Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli

Barcelona are poised for a significant financial boost this summer, with Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli emerging as a leading transfer target for Roma in a deal that could rise to €60m.

The Serie A club have opened talks with Real Betis over the Morocco international after failing in their attempts to sign Antonio Nusa from RB Leipzig, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Roma are reported to be preparing an offer worth €55m plus a further €5m in performance-related add-ons, taking the package close to the value of the release clause in the 22-year-old’s contract.

Betis stance and release clause

Real Betis are understood not to be opposed in principle to selling Ezzalzouli, but will only sanction a move if two conditions are met: the player must agree to the transfer and the total bid must reach his €60m release clause.

The proposed structure from Roma a guaranteed €55m and €5m in bonuses would effectively match that figure if all targets are achieved, bringing the clubs closer to a potential agreement.

Ezzalzouli, who joined Real Betis from Barcelona, has attracted growing interest after his performances in La Liga and for the Morocco national team, prompting clubs across Europe and beyond to monitor his situation.

Barcelona’s financial interest

Barcelona are closely following developments, not with a view to bringing Ezzalzouli back to the Camp Nou, but because they stand to profit significantly from any big-money sale.

The Catalan club retained 20% of Ezzalzouli’s economic rights when they sold him to Real Betis. If a transfer to Roma is completed for the full €60m value of his clause, Barcelona would receive around €11m.

Sport reports that Barcelona initially sold 50% of Ezzalzouli’s rights to Real Betis for €7.5m. They later ceded an additional 30% as part of the agreement that allowed the early termination of Vitor Roque’s loan and his move to Palmeiras, leaving Barca with a 20% stake in any future transfer.

Premier League and Saudi interest

Ezzalzouli has also been on the radar of several Premier League clubs. Newcastle United and Aston Villa have both been credited with an interest, but Villa are said to have cooled their pursuit following the signing of Alejandro Garnacho.

Newcastle continue to track the player’s situation, yet Roma are currently viewed as the most advanced and likely contenders to secure his signature.

Sport adds that Ezzalzouli has received offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but the winger is understood to prefer remaining in European football at this stage of his career.

No Barcelona return planned

Despite Ezzalzouli’s progress and the admiration of new head coach Hansi Flick for wide players, Barcelona have not considered re-signing him this summer.

Flick has already seen the club strengthen in attacking areas with the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, reducing the need to explore a move for Ezzalzouli.

For now, Barcelona’s involvement in the story is limited to the balance sheet. Should Roma and Real Betis reach an agreement at the reported figures, the Catalan side will bank an eight-figure sum without any negotiation of their own, as Ezzalzouli’s future edges towards a potential switch to Serie A.