Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media / Imago

Harri Burton

Tue 2 June 2026 14:00, UK

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Aston Villa are ready to back Unai Emery in the market and appear to be at the front of the queue to sign Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli.

The superstar winger helped to lead Betis to Champions League qualification in 2025-26, notching 15 goals and 10 assists in 43 games, even outshining former Man United ace Antony on the opposite flank.

Back at St James’ Park, Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona has already been announced, with the England international arriving at the Nou Camp on a £70million deal.

Despite the eye-watering fee, and that figure likely becoming available for Eddie Howe to spend, it is likely to be Villa that win Ezzalzouli’s signature this summer.

Abde Ezzalzouli is attracting attention from all over Europe

Ezzalzouli has caught a lot of attention during the 2025-26 campaign, making it highly unlikely that he kicks off the new campaign in a Betis shirt, especially if he impresses at the World Cup with Morocco.

Villa and Newcastle won’t be the only clubs keeping tabs on his performances over in America, Mexico and Canada, but very few can turn down a move to the Premier League.

If the battle comes down to Villa Park or St James’ Park, there is one clear reason as to why the Villans will have the most confidence going into a major transfer battle this summer.

According to reports coming out of Spain, Ezzalzouli has narrowed down his options to clubs that can trigger his buyout clause and have greater sporting challenges than his current team.

Given that Villa continue to push up the Premier League table, will be playing Champions League football and lifted the Europa League title this season, Emery’s side ticks all the boxes.

Unai Emery to play huge role in Aston Villa’s summer

The Magpies, on the other hand, while they have a huge project under PIF, there is no Champions League football to draw new players in, as big-name players search for the exit doors at St James’ Park.

Emery, of course, is a hugely respected figure over in Spain, and that could play a huge role for the Villans as well.

While Emery is linked with other Premier League clubs, it doesn’t appear that the Spaniard is off anytime soon, and has projects to take his team even further next season.

The transfer rumours surrounding Ezzalzouli are likely to trundle on throughout the summer, but it could all be over if Villa pull the trigger and get him to sign across the dotted line before anyone else has the chance.