Girona eager to open talks with Barcelona youngster; Real Betis and Villarreal also interested

Ez Abde demonstrated great potential in the limited opportunities he got with the Barcelona first-team setup during the 2021/22 season.

The 20-year-old, who had arrived from Hercules CF last summer, got a run-out in the senior side early in Xavi’s tenure as manager and he made a good impression, even scoring a goal. But the January signing of attackers like Ferran Torres and Adama Traore (loan) sent the youngster back to the second team.

Having impressed with Barça Atletic, Abde is now training with the senior team in pre-season, but the arrivals of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, coupled with the re-signing of Ousmane Dembele has meant that the Moroccan’s path into the senior setup is blocked.

It has led to reports of a potential exit for Abde, and according to Mundo Deportivo, newly-promoted La Liga club Girona are showing the greatest interest in signing the 20-year-old winger.

The Catalan club are seeking reinforcements to their squad ahead of the challenge that lies ahead of them on their return to the Spanish top flight. And manager Michel sees Abde as an ideal fit for his roster.

The 20-year-old is also attracting interest from Villarreal, who are willing to pay €8 million for his services, while Real Betis have also shown a keenness to sign the former Hercules prodigy.

But, Girona’s interest is much stronger and they are awaiting a green signal from Barcelona to start negotiations with the club and the player about a transfer.

Apart from his style of play, Abde’s low salary is seen as another enticing aspect by Girona, which is why they are intent on signing him.

The decision is now up to Abde and Barça. The possibility of a loan move had been speculated, but a permanent exit cannot be ruled out at this point. And Girona could very well end up being his next destination.