Barcelona’s €15 million-rated winger has convinced Xavi, closer to staying than leaving

Barcelona winger Ez Abde started two of his side’s three pre-season games and according to what Gabriel Sans has mentioned in Mundo Deportivo, his performances have convinced Xavi so much so that the player is now closer to staying than he is to leaving.

Abde, who spent the previous season on loan at Osasuna, had good enough exposure, playing 34 games while scoring six goals.

As a result, even club president Joan Laporta affirmed that the plan with Abde is to assure his continuity and make sure he gets enough game time in the upcoming season.

“The idea is for him [Abde] to be in the first team. Xavi has told us that he wants him and I am very happy,” said the president.

Dembele’s departure a blessing in disguise

One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. Barcelona are extremely gutted to lose Ousmane Dembele to PSG at this point in the transfer window, but all this comes as good news to Abde.

If Barcelona do not sign a replacement, he will get to feature more often next season.

For what it is worth, Abde’s performances last season did not go unnoticed as it is believed that the winger had offers from La Liga, Premier League and Bundesliga, but it would only take an irresistible offer for the suitors to dislodge Barcelona.

Seizing the opportunity

Ez Abde is on a mission to prove his worth to the manager and his performance against Arsenal in Barça’s first pre-season friendly was a perfect testament. In a match that ended 3-5 in favour of the Gunners, Abde shone the brightest in the first half.

The winger also started in the final game against AC Milan and caused a lot of trouble to the defenders with his pace and directness.

Performances such as these will only assert his claim and judging by the look of things, it is safe to say the manager is already convinced.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.