Aston Villa eyeing move for Real Betis winger Ez Abde | OneFootball

AS are reporting that Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have identified Real Betis winger Ez Abde as a potential signing. Villa – under former Sevilla and Villarreal manager Emery – have undergone an incredible transformation and currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League.

Villa previously identified the Moroccan as a target last summer, but a deal never came to fruition. It is believed that Emery himself has scouted the 21-year-old as he looks to fill out the left-sided forward role.

Described as “extraordinary“ by Barcelona manager Xavi, Barca have a buy-back clause on the player and will also receive 50% of any future sale. There are, however, obstacles that may halt the deal in its tracks.

There is thought to be a strained relationship between the winger and Villa’s President of Football Operations Monchi, formerly of Sevilla, after an incident in 2022, when the 55-year-old celebrated Sevilla’s win over their fierce Betis rivals.

Additionally, it is believed that such a signing would be impossible until next summer as Abde has already played for Barcelona and Real Betis so far this season, and according to FIFA, a player cannot play for three clubs in a single season.

Abde has four goals in 19 appearances so far this season.

GSFN | Finn Entwistle