Ezzalzouli emerges as Betis standout as Barcelona face limited financial return

Abde Ezzalzouli’s impressive performances for Real Betis have highlighted Barcelona’s decision to sell the Morocco international for 7.5m euros, with the Catalan club now facing the prospect of missing out on a significant future profit.

The winger has become one of the Andalusian side’s most influential players, combining individual skill with a notable contribution in matches, particularly in the Champions League.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Real Betis are enjoying the best start in their history under Manuel Pellegrini. They occupy a high position in La Liga and have won all three of their Champions League matches, collecting nine points without defeat.

Ezzalzouli has been central to that run. Operating mainly on the left, he has regularly beaten opponents in one-on-one situations while also working to recover possession. His performances have made him an important example of a player able to combine flair with defensive sacrifice.

His Barcelona story began in the summer of 2021, when the club identified him as a promising young talent at Hercules in Segunda Division B. His ability with his left foot attracted attention, while then Barcelona director of football Ramon Planes played a role in recognising his potential.

Ezzalzouli arrived in Spain at a young age with his parents and developed through Hercules’ youth system. He made his first-team debut at the age of 18 at the Rico Perez stadium before earning positive reports from Barcelona scouts.

Barcelona completed his signing on the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window by paying the 2m-euro release clause in his contract. He initially joined the club’s reserve side, but his form soon earned him an opportunity with the first team.

His La Liga debut came on 30 October 2021 against Deportivo Alaves under Sergio Barjuan, who briefly managed Barcelona between Ronald Koeman’s departure and Xavi Hernandez’s arrival. In the second half of that season, Ezzalzouli moved to Osasuna on loan and made a positive impression.

Real Betis later took advantage of Barcelona’s serious financial difficulties to sign him for 7.5m euros. The agreement gave Barcelona the right to buy him back for 20m euros until 2024 and 25m euros in 2025.

Barcelona were also initially entitled to 50% of any future sale by Real Betis. That share was subsequently reduced to 20% following the early departure of Brazilian forward Vitor Roque.

Ezzalzouli’s release clause is set at 60m euros. Under the revised terms, Barcelona would receive only 12m euros if another club activated it.

That potential return is considerably lower than the fees paid for Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. Newcastle paid more than 70m euros for Gordon during the current summer, while Adeyemi’s move from Borussia Dortmund cost 24m euros.

Mundo Deportivo believes neither Gordon nor Adeyemi surpasses Ezzalzouli for individual quality. His Champions League displays have helped make him one of Real Betis’ most popular players among supporters at La Cartuja.