Newcastle United have been pursuing Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli for several weeks, without making any real progress.
The Premier League side sent their scouts to watch him towards the end of last season.
Real Betis president Ángel Haro gave Newcastle United and the winger’s other suitors encouragement by saying he’s not untouchable.
On July 20th, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that the player is learning English as the Magpies and Aston Villa circle. The latter have ended their interest, after signing Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea.
AS Roma interest then emerged and earlier this week we relayed news the Tyneside club are still in the lead.
Encouragement for Newcastle United
Estadio Deportivo claims the Serie A side have ended their pursuit of the 24-year-old, after refusing to meet Real Betis’ demand. The Morocco international has a €60m release clause in a contract that expires in 2029.
Real Betis are refusing to sell him for much less than this figure. Estadio states they could lower it to €55m plus bonuses, but won’t go below that.
AS Roma won’t offer more than €35m and therefore, the deal won’t go through.
After Aston Villa, another suitor has given up on Abde Ezzalzouli, which should please Newcastle United.
Magpies willing to make offer
The newspaper then provides their own take, and that’s when the Premier League side get a mention.
Abde Ezzalzouli has an agreement with Manuel Pellegrini’s side that a potential exit would be ‘would be mutually agreed upon’. The attacker’s previous representatives knew about this and so does his new agent.
Estadio claims Newcastle United have indicated their willingness to offer €60m. However, the move didn’t go through mainly because of Abde.
He will only consider leaving Manuel Pellegrini’s side for a club that can offer Champions League football. The Magpies haven’t qualified for Europe.
Newcastle United have to convince the Moroccan to change his stance if they want to sign him this summer.
Why this is questionable
Newcastle United offering €60m for Abde Ezzalzouli doesn’t make sense.
Real Betis would almost certainly accept less. Indeed, as we explained a couple of days ago it’s likely they’d wobble at any offer above €40m.
The Magpies going in at €60m, especially as an initial approach, doesn’t pass the sniff test. Estadio Deportivo is a newspaper local to Betis and this appears to be some transfer PR work.
It pushes the idea Abde is committed to the Sevilla club, and sets a value for future suitors.
