Barcelona consider re-signing Ez Abde as Rashford alternative
Barcelona are considering a summer move to bring former winger Ez Abde back to the club from Real Betis, according to a report from ESPN. The 24-year-old Morocco international has emerged as a potential target as the Catalan club prepares for the likely departure of loanee Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
Rashford's loan spell at the Spotify Camp Nou is set to conclude, with a permanent deal appearing increasingly unlikely. This has prompted Barcelona's sporting department to draw up a shortlist of alternatives for the left wing position, with Abde now added to a group that reportedly includes Andreas Schjelderup, Jan Virgili, and Victor Munoz.
Abde initially joined Barcelona from Hercules in 2021 and made 12 first-team appearances before being sold to Real Betis in the summer of 2023 for a fee of €7.5 million. As part of that deal, Barcelona retained a 50% economic rights clause, which was later renegotiated down to 20% last year in an agreement connected to Vitor Roque's early loan termination. The club also held two separate buy-back options, set at €20 million and €25 million, but both have now expired.
This means any move for Abde would require Barcelona to negotiate a full market-rate transfer with Betis, though the 20% sell-on clause they retain would effectively reduce the net cost. After a slow start to his career in Seville, Abde has enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 campaign under manager Manuel Pellegrini, registering nine goals and seven assists across all competitions and establishing himself as a key attacking outlet.
The potential move represents a pragmatic solution for Barcelona, who are operating under significant financial constraints. Bringing in a player already proven in La Liga and familiar with the club's culture could offer more immediate reliability than a younger, unproven target. For Betis, a sale would represent a significant profit on their initial investment, though they would be reluctant to lose a player who has become integral to their attack.
Barcelona may face competition for Abde's signature, with ESPN noting that Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the winger. The coming weeks will determine whether Barcelona formalize their interest with an official offer to their La Liga rivals. The situation remains fluid, dependent on the final resolution of Rashford's future and the broader financial parameters of Barcelona's summer transfer window.
