Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 28 May 2026 11:15, UK

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Abde Ezzalzouli has emerged as Newcastle United’s target to replace the outgoing Anthony Gordon this summer.

The England international has agreed to move to Barcelona in a deal worth around £69million, with the formalities expected to be completed in the coming days.

Newcastle were always due to make a big sale this summer, and another could well follow as the financial ramifications of the lack of European football take their toll.

Eddie Howe will hope sales can allow him to refresh his squad after what was a hugely disappointing season at St James’ Park.

Newcastle transfer chiefs are already eyeing Gordon’s replacement, with a potential move for Ezzalzouli appearing to be moving quickly.

Who is Abde Ezzalzouli?

Aston Villa have also been linked to Ezzalzouli, with Unai Emery potentially set to be looking for his own replacement this summer amid the interest in Morgan Rogers.

Newcastle certainly look to be leading the race, however, with the deal seemingly tied into Gordon’s move to Barcelona.

According to LaSevillaFUT, the Magpies have made the 24-year-old their priority on the left of the attack and are ready to trigger his £51.9m release clause.

Barcelona reportedly have a 20 per cent sell-on clause for Ezzalzouli, who moved to Real Betis from the Spanish champions in 2023.

The Morocco international started out at Elche and then Hercules, before joining the Barcelona academy in 2021.

He would only ever make 14 appearances for the La Liga giants, and only began to realise his potential over the last two years.

This season has seen Ezzalzouli explode, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Llevamos dos años haciéndonos la misma pregunta… 🤔❔

¿Con qué te quedas, con el pase de @isco_alarcon o con el gol de Ez Abde? 🎩🦁 pic.twitter.com/uKaiPHZZu1

— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) November 5, 2025

The 24-year-old loves to receive the ball out wide and drift inside, offering a ruthless right foot when in sight of goal.

Manuel Pellegrini and Xavi lauded Ezzalzouli

Barcelona’s confidence in Ezzalzoulli has been demonstrated by the sell-on clause they included in his contract, but he initially appeared to be a future first-team player.

The winger was loaned out to Osasuna in 2022, enjoying a season of first-team football in La Liga.

“Abde is making the most of his loan spell, he is making a difference, they are very happy in Pamplona, he is being professional and playing very well,” then Barcelona manager, Xavi, said in 2023.

“Barca have to ensure that he is at the level he was yesterday, that he is at every game. When he comes back we will look at him, we will evaluate him and decide what to do with him, he could be a very important player in the future.”

10 goals in this LA LIGA season.

🇲🇦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 Ez Abde 🇲🇦#LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/wIxpaQJOm5

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) May 26, 2026

Ultimately, it was not meant to be for Ezzalzouli with the Spanish giants, but he has realised his potential at Real Betis.

Earlier this month, Real Betis boss and former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said: “When you have a decisive player like him [Ezzalzouli], everything becomes easier; 23 contributions this season demonstrate his quality.”

He added: “I am very happy to have him with us, and I hope he stays for as long as possible.” Newcastle may end that hope this summer, but the praise is yet another testament to the extent of the quality of the player who could potentially become St James’ Park’s next hero.