Barcelona would consider selling winger for €20-€25 million

Earlier this week we reported that Abde Ezzalzouli was to be given every chance to stake a claim to a first-team place during the pre-season tour of the USA.

However, a new report surfaced today via Adrian Sanchez indicating that Barca would be happy to move on from the winger if they received an offer of between €20-€25 million.

Not only would they be happy to move on, they would consider it a ‘good sale’ according to Sanchez.

Abde enjoyed a very successful U23 African Cup of Nations tournament as he captained his Moroccan side to the title. He also chipped in by scoring 3 goals and assisted another three.

On his return to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper for medical testing earlier this week, he was greeted by a crowd of supporters chanting “Abde Stay”.

Considering Abde is just 21 years old and is coming off a very successful first full season of senior football with Osasuna, I’m surprised to hear that Barca is considering selling the former Hércules man this summer.

Barcelona have an embarrassment of riches at forward

It’s true that without a forward leaving Barca this summer, Abde is likely to find playing time hard to come by in Xavi’s starting XI. Especially when you consider that Xavi likes to play a false winger in front of Alejandro Balde on the left, usually Gavi.

What this means is you have Ousmane Dembélé, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Raphinha vying for that vacant right winger position. Far too many players even when you consider rotation and the likely injuries to key players.

We know that Barcelona is looking to trim the squad and reduce their wage bill in order to facilitate further signings, but a permanent exit for Abde has always seemed unlikely.

Ferran Torres has today been linked with a move away to Villareal and Raphinha continues to be linked with Manchester City, although we’re led to believe that Barca are unwilling to sell the Brazilian winger this summer. But without any exits, Abde was always likely to leave.

The surprise comes in relation to the method of exit. Many expected Abde to be loaned out again this year to gain more first-team football, giving Barca time to evaluate their forward options ahead of next season.

Whether this report has any truth to it remains to be seen, but I know a fair few fans would be upset if Abde were to leave on a permanent transfer this summer.