Ez Abde is reportedly prioritising remaining at FC Barcelona beyond the summer transfer window after receiving an offer from Aston Villa.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Ez Abde has a price tag of around €20 million this summer. And Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen are ready to meet the valuation to sign the 21-year-old winger. But the youngster does not want to leave Barcelona in the ongoing transfer window.
Ez Abde has not had many opportunities to express himself since joining Barcelona from Hercules two years ago. A regular for Hercules before moving to the Catalan club, the Moroccan winger arrived as a reinforcement for Barcelona B. But Xavi Hernandez handed him a few opportunities after replacing Ronald Koeman at the helm at Camp Nou.
But the 21-year-old prospect spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Osasuna, where he gradually grew in stature. And Abde remains a backup player for Barcelona since returning from his loan spell, managing 67 minutes of game time in the two La Liga games thus far. But several well-known clubs rate the youngster highly, with Aston Villa keen on signing him.
Reports this week have suggested that Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen are looking to launch late moves for Abde’s services. Now, Mundo Deportivo has claimed that the Moroccan international has received an offer from the Premier League club. And Aston Villa’s interest in the Barcelona winger is understandable.
The Villans have lost Emiliano Buendia for most of the 2023/24 season. And while they have signed Moussa Diaby and enjoyed the early resurgence of Leon Bailey, another attacker is the need of the hour for Aston Villa. Considering his team has European excursions lined up this term, Unai Emery will need a deep pool of resources.
Ez Abde has thus emerged as a viable target for Aston Villa. But the West Midlands club’s offer to the 21-year-old prospect might not do the trick. Meanwhile, they are ready to offer €20 million to secure Abde’s services. But the Barcelona prospect does not want to leave the Catalan club anytime soon.
The Moroccan winger is also a top target for Bayer Leverkusen. But with the €20 million-rated forward keen on continuing his stint with Barcelona, a summer departure is unlikely. But it will be interesting to see if the two suitors can turn the youngster’s head.
