Fresh off winning the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations with Morroco, Abde Ezzalzouli will be given every opportunity this pre-season to stake his claim to a first-team place with Barcelona according to journalist Toni Juanmarti.
However his immediate future with the La Liga champions may depend on whether Barca can complete any deals for more senior forwards on the roster.
Juanmarti confirms that if Abde is to leave Catalonia on loan this season, it will be at the backend of the transfer window, with Xavi giving him plenty of chances to impress on the pre-season tour to the USA. Its also reported that the Barca manager hopes Abde’s presence will stimulate the competition within the forward group.
Abde is in fine form having scored 3 goals and assisted another three at the U-23 completion, and the Barce fans have really embraced the young winger.
When Abbe arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper complex this morning, he was greeted by fans chanting “Abde, stay”.
A dribbling sensation, Abde has the quickness to get in behind and he’s noticeably improved his physicality over the last 12-18 months.
The 21 year old could make things difficult for Barcelona if he were to have a successful pre-season, considering there are only so many minutes to be shared amongst the forward group.
Abde’s future could depend on moving another forward
Although Barcelona are currently confident of registering all their new signings with La Liga, it is expected that the Catalan giants will work to get several players off the books before the season begins against Getafe.
One of those sales could open up an opportunity for Abde to stay with Barca for the 2023/24 season.
There is little doubt that Barcelona value his skillset highly and Xavi wants to continue his development, and if he can’t guarantee him minutes in the Barca side, he wants to see him go out on loan and secure playing time at the senior level.
The most likely departure is Ferran Torres who struggled through an up and down season last year, although as of today there is no reported interest in the young Spaniard.