Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Sat 18 April 2026 10:00, UK

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Abde Ezzalzouli must have surely impressed enough to earn a summer move to Aston Villa and become a huge star under Unai Emery.

The 24-year-old Moroccan international has triggered whispers of a big-money transfer over the last couple of seasons, but he has really made an impact during the 2025-26 campaign.

Real Betis are currently in the race for Europa League qualification, and having now been knocked out of the competition, all eyes will be on a top-five finish in the La Liga table.

Funnily enough, the Villans also have European dreams, now pushing for Champions League qualification, and Villa’s transfer plans could rely heavily on how they finish the current campaign.

Aston Villa have already entered the race for Abde Ezzalzouli

It was far from a surprise to see Ezzalzouli hit the back of the net during Betis’ eventual defeat to Braga on 16 April, notching his 18th goal contribution of the campaign.

He could have bagged another had former Man United winger Antony been able to stay onside, but it wasn’t to be for the Spanish giants, and the 24-year-old might have to broaden his horizons this summer.

Emery’s side have been strongly linked with the winger’s signature ahead of the summer transfer window, but with Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham keeping tabs, they’ll have to battle hard.

With Leon Bailey expected to leave and Jadon Sancho unlikely to sign permanently, the Villans will be desperate to add reinforcements on the left wing, and Betis’ No.10 should be at the top of the list.

Real Betis star takes his inspiration from Brazil legend Neymar

With explosive pace, direct dribbling, and the ability to cut inside onto his right foot, the player already shares some characteristics with Neymar, but it doesn’t just stop there.

According to those close to the player[AS], Ezzalzouli has based a lot of his performances on the Brazilian attacker, studying his videos from a very early age and repeating them on the pitch.

At just 24 years of age, he has plenty of time to specialise his skillset, and working with Emery, one of the best managers currently in the world, there are few reasons why he’d turn down a move to Villa Park.

Villa also risk losing Morgan Rogers, which would increase the need for stars like Ezzalzouli, but it might take quite a sizeable fee to drag him away from Spain this summer.