Bayer Leverkusen willing to table €20 million offer for Barcelona attacking prospect

SPORT has revealed that Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen will offer €20 million to Barcelona for the services of Ez Abde.

As the transfer window’s closure looms, Barcelona remain engrossed in their efforts to orchestrate player arrivals and departures, a strategy aimed at bolstering the first-team roster and maintaining the squad’s salary. 

Once again, the spotlight has turned towards Abde, a prominent name within the corridors of Can Barça, with an enticing offer from Bayer Leverkusen potentially opening the doors for his departure.

Xabi Alonso a big admirer

Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as the foremost contender for Abde’s services. While it appeared that Abde’s fate had been sealed with Xavi Hernandez’s endorsement, who envisions him as a winger under his charge, the German outfit has rekindled their pursuit.

For that, they are prepared to commit a substantial €20 million to secure Abde’s signature, with manager Xabi Alonso understood to be a keen admirer of the 21-year-old starlet, who spent the last season on loan at CA Osasuna.

Within the Barcelona camp, there is an anticipation that the Moroccan international’s situation will be resolved in the final hours of the transfer window, with still five days left.

Xavi has advocated for Abde’s continuity in the Barça roster. The departure of Ousmane Dembele has left a void on the wing, and Abde’s diverse skill set renders him a contender for the position. 

Abde’s disappointment

However, the possibility of playing regular football elsewhere has injected complexity into the scenario. Above all, the youngster is said to be disappointed after not playing against Villarreal, which is yet another reason to question his future in Catalonia.

While Aston Villa and Real Betis are in the fray as well, Bayer Leverkusen’s strong interest has stood out, substantiated by a potential formal offer that aligns with Barcelona’s interests.

Despite the board’s inclination towards Ansu Fati’s exit, the Spaniard’s commitment has prompted a reevaluation of alternative strategies.

Concurrently, the emergence of Lamine Yamal’s remarkable performances presents a quandary for Abde’s future.

An influx of €20 million from Abde’s transfer would be advantageous for Barcelona, potentially invigorating operations such as the pursuit of Joao Felix.

As the window edges towards a close, the Catalan giants find themselves at a juncture where strategic choices not only impact the present but also have far-reaching implications for their trajectory in domestic and international competitions.