Xavi set to clash with Barcelona board over transfer

Tom Weber

• 9 Jul 2023 15:15 BST
• 3 min read

Xavi and Barcelona's board don't see eye to eye regarding the future of talented youngster Abde Ezzalzouli.

Ezzalzouli, also known as Ez Abde or simply Abde, arrived at the Camp Nou in 2021 in a deal that set the Blaugrana back €2 million. Featuring for both the seniors and the club's B team after arrival, the tricky winger finished the 2021/22 season with a combined four goals and seven assists for both sides.

He spent the past season on loan at surprise package Osasuna, helping them finish in an impressive 7th with four goals and two assists across 28 LaLiga outings. These performances have made the Moroccan a sought-after commodity, with his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) rising prodigiously in recent times, now sitting at €12.2m

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Precisely this means that his future is up in the air now that he is back with the Blaugrana.

Keep or sell?

According to Relevo, head coach Xavi and the Barcelona board are not in agreement as to what to do with Abde. The former has been impressed by the 21-year-old and is keen to keep him around the first team next season.

However, the fact that he is such a wanted man has convinced some board members that it might be the right time to cash in on him, seeing as though Barcelona still have to jump at every 'financial lever' that presents itself. The report goes on to say that Real Betis are keeping an eye on the situation.

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Having completed the signing of Vitor Roque for a fee that could rise as high as €60m, Barcelona will have to sell some first-teamers this window. Abde could be a prime candidate to leave, especially since the likes of Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati appear reluctant to depart, which could heavily restrict the 21-year-old's game time next term.