Barcelona sold top talent Abde Ezzalzouli to Real Betis this summer, but they are able to bring him back to the club.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcelona inserted a buy-back clause as part of the deal to sell him on deadline day, but this will only be valid for the next two summer windows.
The 21-year-old was sold on deadline day, despite an outstanding loan spell at Osasuna last season, during which manager Jagoba Arrasate described him as “special.”
It seemed that he had a part to play this season, particularly after the departures of Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati, but he has now left, but on potentially favourable terms for Barcelona.
“Understand Barça’s buy back clause for Ez Abde from Betis will only be valid in the next two years; summer 2024 or summer 2025,” he tweeted.
“Buy back clause value fixed at €20m. Barça also have 50% sell on clause as they sold Abde for €7.5m fee, top deal completed by Ramón Planes.”
Should Barcelona have sold Abde?
The Moroccan was sold to make space and generate funds to bring Joao Felix in on loan, and this may be seen as a questionable move.
It seems that Felix has been earmarked to play on the left, away from his natural position behind the striker, and in the position where Abde usually thrives.
Abde ranked as one of the best dribblers in Europe last season, and as a La Masia product, he could have been a long-term option in the position, whilst Felix’s long-term future still remains unclear.
However, given the buy-back clause, a sale now made sense. With Barcelona able to bring him back in the future, he can play regularly at a club competing in Europe, who play with an attacking style under Manuel Pellegrini.
If he does well, the buyback clause will be available, and if anyone else chooses to buy him, Barcelona will stand to make a further profit.