Abde Ezzalzouli to Newcastle makes perfect sense as eye-catching new stats emerge
Abde Ezzalzouli has shown that he would be an ideal addition to Newcastle's ranks in January while on international duty for Morocco.
Newcastle's shortcomings out wide have been clear for all to see so far this season under Matthias Jaissle.
Harvey Barnes has impressed in Anthony Gordon's absence, but the likes of Bazoumana Toure, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga are yet to get going in 2025-26.
The Magpies were in the market for several wingers in the summer window, but only signed Toure, with 24-year-old Real Betis star Ezzalzouli a reported target.
Injury put paid to a summer move, but the Morocco star has continued to prove his quality for club and country this season.
Newcastle reportedly remain in the market for a new wide man ahead of the January window, with Ezzalzouli clearly a perfect candidate to solve their issues on the flanks.
Abde Ezzalzouli continues his strong season as Newcastle eye winger addition
Ezzalzouli registered 15 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for Betis last season.
The 24-year-old was linked to Newcastle before the World Cup, but a knee injury he suffered in an international friendly ruled him out of a move and the tournament.
He has scored once in four appearances for Betis so far this term, and bagged his third international goal in a friendly against Mali on Sunday.
Ezzalzouli shone for his country on home turf, winning and scoring a first-half penalty and taking more touches (9) than any other player in the opposition box.
He completed 100 per cent of his long passes, made three passes into the final third and won three ground duels in a strong showing for Morocco.
Ezzalzouli has all the tools to be a real asset in the Premier League, with The Athletic reporting that Newcastle will look to sign a new winger in January above the majority of other positions.
It would surely make sense for the stars to align and for the club to revisit their interest in the Betis star in the new year, especially if he continues to impress in the coming months.
Ezzalzouli among top-performing La Liga wingers this season
Ezzalzouli's outstanding output is not a facade, as he continues to boast impressive underlying stats in La Liga this season.
He is in the 86th percentile for expected assists per 90 (0.32), 83rd percentile for successful pass percentage (87.7) and 80th percentile for successful dribbles per 90 (2.58) compared to other wingers in the division.
The 24-year-old is also among the best-performing La Liga wingers for touches in the opposition box per 90, duels won percentage and chances created per 90.