Abde explores his options to return to Barcelona

Abde Ezzalzouli, a 24-year-old Moroccan winger, could re-enter the plans of the Barcelona transfer market after his progress at Real Betis, but the Catalan club no longer has a buy-back clause to bring him back. The Catalan entity retains 20% of the player's economic rights, who has a contract with the Verdiblanco team until 2029 and a €60 million release clause.

Abde no longer has a buy-back clause from Barcelona

The right that allowed Barcelona to bring back Abde for an agreed price expired in August 2025. Therefore, Hansi Flick cannot request his return by activating a preferential option that is no longer valid; any operation must now adhere to the current conditions with Real Betis.

The winger's departure was finalized in September 2023, when Barcelona agreed to his transfer for €7.5 million. At that time, Barcelona retained a buy-back option and 50% of a future sale, a formula that allowed them to maintain a certain economic control over the player.

However, those conditions changed in February 2025, as part of the operation that allowed Barcelona to resolve the situation of Vitor Roque, who was then loaned to the Andalusian team. The Catalan club relinquished another 30% of Abde's economic rights, making Betis in control of 80% and Barcelona retaining the remaining 20%.

⚪️🟢🫵🏼 Hansi Flick: “I’m impressed by Ez Abde. I like the way he plays and his confidence in one-on-one situations”. “He scored, and I can only say that he’s an incredible player. He’s fantastic”. https://t.co/8zihyE4uz5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 16, 2026

Real Betis controls his future until 2029

Abde's contract with Real Betis runs until June 30, 2029, with a €60 million release clause. These conditions give Betis the power to decide on a potential exit, without Barcelona being able to reacquire the player through a pre-agreed buy-back.

The economic stake still held by Barça does not translate into the right to sign him. This 20% would allow them to receive a portion of the corresponding money if a future sale to another club materializes, but it does not grant them priority in negotiations or compel Betis to accept a Barcelona offer.

If a team were to pay the €60 million release clause, Barcelona's percentage would be €12 million, subject to the current economic distribution. This amount represents a potential revenue for the Catalan entity, not an automatic discount to sign the player at a lower price.

Hansi Flick values Abde's progression

The sporting interest could reopen discussions about a possible return. Before the October match between the two teams, Hansi Flick praised the winger’s development, who had scored against Porto in the Champions League and had three goals at the start of the season.

Abde had also recorded 15 goals and 13 assists in the previous season, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. His growth explains the renewed association of his name with Barcelona, although the coach's praise does not constitute an offer or confirm negotiations.

For now, the next step depends on Barcelona deciding to translate that sporting praise into definite interest. If they aim to bring back Abde, they will have to negotiate with Real Betis or consider the terms of his release clause: the buy-back right has expired, and the 20% economic interest they retain does not provide a preferential route to secure his signing.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Abde apura sus opciones de regresar al Barcelona