Barcelona loanee Abde Ezzalzouli, aka Ez Abde, could reportedly turn down his parent club if coach Xavi Hernandez does not show trust in him.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT (via El Nacional), Barcelona have been impressed with Abde’s performances for Osasuna and want to bring him back from loan this summer. It has been reported that the Blaugrana want to play him in the pre-season to see how he gets along with the team. However, there’s no certainty that he will be used regularly in the 2023-24 season.
It has been claimed that the player does not want such uncertainty about his role at the Camp Nou. That means he could turn down the 26-time La Liga champions if there’s doubt about his place in the first XI. The 21-year-old, who played for Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, wants Xavi to only bring him back if he’s prepared to keep faith in him.
The left winger has been instrumental for Osasuna in their run-up to the Copa del Rey final. Playing 317 minutes across five games, Abde has scored twice. He has been pretty impressive in La Liga, too, scoring thrice and claiming two assists in 22 games.
Osasuna are reportedly eager to keep him, but the player is fond of England. The former Hercules man is valued at €8 million, while his Barcelona contract expires in 2026.
Barcelona set sight on Matheus Nunes
As per Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona are keeping tabs on Wolverhampton Wanderers man and Liverpool-target Matheus Nunes.
The Blaugrana are looking to bolster their midfield this summer and reckon the Portugal international would be a good fit. Xavi’s side are reportedly confident about signing new players despite being obligated to reduce their wage bill.
Liverpool are set to give Barca a run for their money in their pursuit of Nunes. The Reds, who have made enquiries about Nunes, were close to signing him in January. The move did not go through, though, as Nunes was not eligible to play for a third club in the 2022-23 season (after Sporting CP and Wolves).
It’s believed that Wolves are prepared to let the player go for €45 million this summer. The 24-year-old central midfielder’s contract expires in 2027.