Abde Ezzalzouli should be at the top of Newcastle's wishlist as new stats vs Norway emerge
Abde Ezzalzouli is reportedly on Newcastle United's target list to replace Anthony Gordon this summer.
The winger supposedly has a £51million release clause in his contract at Real Betis and is being monitored by several clubs across the continent.
Newcastle sold Gordon to Barcelona last month in a deal worth around £69m, and have been linked with several potential replacements.
Links to Ezzalzouli have been the strongest, however, and his display as Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway on Sunday has shown why.
The 24-year-old's game was ended by an injury scare, but the early indications are that he will be available for this summer's World Cup.
Abde Ezzalzouli display sends Newcastle message
Aston Villa have also been linked to Ezzalzouli, and they will surely be the favourites if moves from both clubs materialise.
The Villans have Champions League football to offer, and may be set to come into significant funds if Morgan Rogers is sold this summer.
Newcastle will be hopeful, however, with the 24-year-old representing a hugely exciting option.
Ezzalzouli joined Real Betis from Barcelona in 2023 and had been gradually improving before his explosion this season.
The winger has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in just 29 La Liga appearances, with four goals and an assist also coming in the Europa League.
Direct, skilful and a devastating finisher, some may even tip Ezzalzouli to outperform Gordon next season.
Any move will likely have to wait for Morocco's World Cup campaign to end, however, and, before his injury, the forward expressed his importance to any success for the African champions.
In just 45 minutes, Ezzalzouli claimed an assist for Brahim Diaz's goal and created another chance, took five shots, and completed a dribble.
Defensively, he made three clearances and two recoveries, winning a free-kick and every duel he contested.
Xavi had pegged Ezzalzouli for Barcelona
Back in the 2022-23 season, Ezzalzouli was still on the books at Barcelona and ultimately expected to eventually feature for the Spanish giants.
In 2023, then manager, Xavi, said: "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.
"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."
It did not work out for Ezzalzouli with Barcelona, but his career still holds massive potential. Whether the next step is at Newcastle remains to be seen.