Everton’s offer for Real Betis star Abde Ezzalzouli, sometimes referred to as Ez Abde, on deadline day appears to have been genuine, with president Ángel Haro explaining why it was rejected.
Sport cover the situation today. They follow on from earlier reports – covered by Sport Witness – that Everton made an offer for the 24-year-old at the end of the window.
Deadline day rejection
The newspaper explains that Abde’s future took a dramatic turn on the last day of the window.
Betis rejected a lucrative offer for the Moroccan forward – a deal that would have also netted a significant sum for Barcelona. They still hold approximately 20% of the player’s rights.
Now, during a press conference this week, Haro has reviewed the transfer window and explained the decision not to sell to Everton.
“A major sale would have helped. An opportunity for a big sale involving Abde came up on the final day of the window,” he said.
“We felt that on the final day, we had to ask for a fee close to the release clause. The offer didn’t reach that amount, so we decided to keep Abde in the squad for a Champions League season.”
€60m asking price
Sport explain the Spanish club had no choice to reject the bid as it was nowhere near the €60m release clause in the player’s contract. That’s what Betis were demanding for a sale.
“Regarding squad planning, we missed out on certain departures – specifically a major sale. We felt that Abde’s exit alone was insufficient,” added Haro.
“Time will tell whether that decision was the right one. If Abde has a magnificent season, then it will have been the right call.”
That decision has left Everton disappointed, but also Barcelona. They would have been due 20% of the fee. So a ‘significant windfall’ would have been on the way to the Camp Nou.
Instead, they and Everton missed out and Betis were left wondering whether they’ve done the right thing. Only time will tell on that front.
🇮🇹 Nathan Patterson | Belief Everton were glad to get rid of player – Discussions with compatriot led to transfer https://t.co/pG2JlfI5EI #efc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 3, 2026
