Newcastle still in mix to sign Abde Ezzalzouli? - New report from Spain on Real Betis star
Leading up to the World Cup, one name regularly linked with a potential move to Newcastle United was Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli.
Just as Anthony Gordon left for Barcelona, the Moroccan was earmarked as a potential replacement and rumoured 'top target', only to suffer an injury that ruled him out of this summer's World Cup.
Since then, Newcastle have secured Ivorian talent Bazoumana Toure in a £42m move from Hoffenheim, although talk of continued interest in Ezzalzouli has re-emerged this week, leaving some to wonder if we're in the market for another wide man.
Ezzalzouli still on Newcastle's wishlist
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Newcastle ‘remain interested’ in Abde Ezzalzouli and could face competition from AS Roma for the Moroccan's signature.
The report highlights that Newcastle are still in the picture, with Aston Villa no longer in the mix after securing Alejandro Garnacho.
However, it’s now Roma who pose the biggest threat. It’s thought the Serie A giants will step up their efforts to land a new wide man after missing out on Crysencio Summerville to Saudi side Al Hilal.
Sport report that Ezzalzouli has offers from Saudi Arabia, but peters to stay in Europe. Real Betis president Angel Haro has also hinted at a sale, stating, “saying the player is untouchable doesn’t make sense.”
Does it REALLY make sense?
Unless Eddie Howe has plans to play Toure on the right, I struggle to see a world where Ezzalzouli fits.
Harvey Barnes is an out and out left winger and it feels like a right sided option is more likely to be pursued, with Jacob Murphy’s future uncertain as he receives interest from Everton after entering the final 12 months of his deal.
Ezzalzouli is a specialist left winger and has little to no history of playing on the right, leaving us to question whether he really is on the club’s radar like Sport suggest.
Unless Barnes is sold - unlikely after his new deal - or Toure is used on the right wing, we just can’t see it.
