Newcastle won't mind missing out on Victor Munoz when this player can be Eddie Howe's Plan B
Newcastle have been aiming to bolster their winger ranks this summer after Anthony Gordon left to join Barcelona.
Osasuna starlet Munoz emerged onto their radar after a strong breakout season in La Liga, with negotiations underway for a deal to be agreed.
Liverpool then moved to hijack the Magpies' move for Munoz late on Wednesday night, and he is set to move to Anfield for around £34.6million.
Newcastle will now need to move on to other targets, and Ezzalzouli looks like an obvious leading option to replace Gordon this summer.
He has been on their radar for several months, and had a bigger impact in La Liga than Munoz last season.
The Magpies need to prove that they can still compete in the transfer market and snap the Betis winger up to bolster Howe's attacking options.
Abde Ezzalzouli must now be top of Newcastle's left wing shortlist
Previous reports have claimed that Newcastle scouts watched Ezzalzouli on several occasions last term as he shone for Betis under Manuel Pellegrini.
He registered 15 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26 as the Seville-based side qualified for the Champions League.
The 24-year-old still has potential to improve, despite being among the top-performing wingers for big chances created, dribbles, duels won, touches in the opposition box, and fouls won per 90 in La Liga last season.
Howe would surely like a player with his qualities in his side, with Ezzalzouli also boasting impressive stats for tackles, interceptions and recoveries per 90, meaning he is clearly willing to track back down the left flank.
He was set to be a key part of Morocco's World Cup squad this summer before suffering a knee injury in a friendly against Norway that ruled him out of the tournament.
Now that the Magpies must move their focus away from Munoz, it is pretty obvious that Ezzalzouli is the best option from other left-wingers who have been linked with a move to St James' Park.
What has Pellegrini said about Ezzalzouli?
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle will be one of the busiest Premier League clubs this summer as they aim to improve on a disappointing 2025-26 season.
Ezzalzouli may well be on their radar, and Betis boss Pellegrini has told the Magpies exactly why they should accelerate a move soon.
Speaking about Ezzalzouli in February, he said: "He has matured and improved significantly because he listens to what is told to him and doesn't stick to his own opinion. I am very happy for him.
"He is a player with great potential and is very open to accepting criticism and advice to develop his performance on the field."
Then last month, Pellegrini went on to say: "When you have a decisive player like him, everything becomes easier; 23 contributions this season demonstrate his quality. I am very happy to have him with us, and I hope he stays for as long as possible.”