Former Barcelona attacker nears shock Camp Nou return

The approach appears pragmatic: secure a 24‑year‑old wide option who already knows the club’s culture and could slot into Hansi Flick’s setup quickly, while avoiding the heavy wage and adjustment risks that come with a bigger summer splash.

For supporters, this feels like a low‑risk, high-reward gambit — bring back a player who has matured elsewhere and let him plug into Barça’s front line with minimal adaptation time.

The player in question is Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Ez Abde), the former La Masia talent now flourishing at Real Betis, and reports say Barcelona have made an initial enquiry after tracking his season, where he contributed 27 combined goals and assists, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Abde’s blend of directness, pace, and incisive finishing has attracted attention across LaLiga, and Barça sees the appeal of a player already proven in Spain who can provide width, pressing intensity, and an ability to cut inside and score.

The fact that he came through Barcelona’s system only sweetens the proposition: familiarity with the club’s values could smooth any short-term integration.

Sportingly, Abde ticks several boxes on the club’s checklist. He offers high-tempo wing play, a willingness to press from the front, and the kind of vertical threat that complements creative midfielders.

For Flick, who values both positional flexibility and frontline aggression, Abde could be used on either flank or as an impact substitute who changes the game with direct runs and quick combinations.

If Barcelona can strike a deal, the signing would be both symbolic and sensible: a nod to La Masia’s production line and a practical addition to the squad ahead of a demanding season.

For now, the enquiry is exploratory, but Abde’s profile and Barça’s interest make this one to watch as the window develops.