Abdessamad Ezzalzouli: Barcelona consider bringing back winger

La Liga powerhouse, Barcelona are drawing plans to bring back Moroccan international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli to bolster their attacking options next season.

The 24-year-old is in hot form for Real Betis since joining them in a five-year deal from the Catalan giants in 2023 after a loan spell at Osasuna.

According to Spanish media outlet Marca, Barcelona’s priority currently remains activating the purchase option for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who is valued around €30 million.

Ezzalzouli reached 2025 AFCON final with Morocco

Should that initiative fail Barça, will opt for the Moroccan winger whose progress they have monitored as an strategic alternative.

Barcelona still holds 20% of the player’s economic rights and a buy-back option, as he is currently under contract with Real Betis. This clause could reduce the total cost of a potential transfer for the La Masia academy product.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up is currently enjoying a remarkable season with the Andalusian club, playing 18 matches with five goals and five assists.

Ezzalzouli played seven matches with one assist as Morocco reached the finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but eventually lost to Senegal 1-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in January.

La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly considering a move to bring back Moroccan international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season.

The 24-year-old winger has been enjoying an impressive campaign with Real Betis since completing a permanent transfer from the Catalan club in 2023. After initially joining Betis following a loan spell at Osasuna, the Moroccan forward has continued to develop into one of the most exciting attacking talents in Spanish football.

Reports from Spanish outlet Marca suggest that Barcelona are currently prioritizing a potential move for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, whose transfer fee could reach around €30 million. However, if that deal fails to materialize, the club could turn its attention to Abdessamad Ezzalzouli as an alternative option.

Barcelona keeping close eye on Ezzalzouli

Although the winger left Camp Nou two years ago, Barcelona still maintain a financial connection to the player. The club reportedly holds 20 percent of his economic rights, along with a buy-back clause inserted into the agreement with Real Betis.

This arrangement means that the Catalan giants could potentially re-sign the player for a reduced fee compared to his full market value. For a club that has been carefully managing its finances in recent years, such a clause could prove extremely valuable if they decide to pursue the Moroccan winger again.

The player originally emerged from the La Masia development system, where he quickly gained attention for his pace, dribbling ability and attacking flair. His performances with the youth teams eventually earned him opportunities with the senior squad before he moved on in search of regular playing time.

Strong season at Real Betis

Since arriving at Betis, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has shown clear progress in his development. The winger has become an important part of the Andalusian club’s attacking setup, contributing both goals and assists.

So far this season, he has featured in 18 matches, scoring five goals and providing five assists, numbers that highlight his growing influence in the team. His ability to take on defenders, create chances and stretch opposition defenses has made him a key player for Betis.

Such performances have not gone unnoticed across Spain, with several observers noting that the Moroccan international appears to have matured significantly since leaving Camp Nou.

International contributions with Morocco

On the international stage, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has also continued to represent Morocco, contributing to the national team’s recent success.

He featured in seven matches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Morocco reach the final of the tournament. Although the Atlas Lions ultimately finished as runners-up after losing 1-0 to Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the campaign further demonstrated the winger’s importance to the national side.

The tournament provided valuable experience for the attacker, allowing him to compete against some of the strongest teams on the continent while gaining exposure on the international stage.

Barcelona exploring attacking options

As Barcelona plan for the upcoming season, strengthening the attacking department remains one of the club’s priorities. Injuries, squad rotation and the demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions have highlighted the need for additional depth in wide attacking positions.

Bringing back Abdessamad Ezzalzouli could therefore present an interesting solution. The winger already understands the club’s playing philosophy, having developed within the academy, and his improved performances in La Liga suggest he could now be ready for a larger role at the highest level.

While a move is far from confirmed, the situation remains one to watch as the transfer window approaches.

If negotiations for other targets fail, the Moroccan winger could once again find himself linked with a return to the club where his professional journey in Spanish football first began.