Barcelona youngster determined to stay amid interest, cutting short vacation to join pre-season

Barcelona winger Ez Abde is extremely determined to convince Xavi that he can be a useful resource next season and that he can compete for a place in the first team as well, reports Roger Torello via Mundo Deportivo.

The journalist adds that in order to convince Xavi and earn a place in the team, the young winger is willing to cut his holidays short.

The 21-year-old has holidays for at least two more weeks following his involvement in the U23 Africa Cup of Nationsl this month. But he is set to return on Monday so that he can be a part of the pre-season squad and go to the United States.

Abde, 21, spent the previous season on loan at Osasuna and enjoyed an impressive campaign. This is because the winger went on to make 34 appearances for the team across all competitions and returned with six goals under his belt.

Given his performances, Abde has attracted interest from across the continent with MD claiming that teams from the Premier League, Bundesliga and even Juventus from Serie A are willing to bet on him. Additionally, fellow La Liga side Real Betis are also eyeing the youngster.

For now, though, Abde only wants to take advantage of the pre-season to show his manager how resourceful he can be. More importantly, even Xavi wants the youngster to continue, as reiterated by Joan Laporta in an interview with L’ Esportiu.

“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. First for him, because he is a cheeky player and when he was with us he did very well. The stage in Osasuna has gone very well for him in his training, he is young,” he said.

“Second, because it connects us with Morocco. Barça is a global club and it is good for us to have a Moroccan player. He is a talented player, who did very well in the U-23 African Cup of Nations, being the captain.

“I am very glad that he won and that he came with enthusiasm. He will join on the 17th and I am very happy to have him in the first team,” added the president. 

If Abde does continue, it must be noted that he will have to fight for a place against Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati.