21-year-old Barcelona winger could still end up leaving

The reliance on youth remains an essential part of FC Barcelona and their storied heritage, one that continues to be one of the Catalan club’s most defining traits even today as the world of football navigates towards the depths of extravagant foreign signings.

Barcelona maintain their belief in their young core, and while some are kept much more at ease than others, the coaching staff tries their level best to incorporate each player as effectively as possible within the setup.

One particular star who shows promise that could end up becoming crucial for Barcelona in future years is 21-year-old Moroccan winger Ez Abde, whose style of play and explosive traits make him a great contributor on the wings for FC Barcelona.

However, the player is simultaneously understood to be clear about his importance within the Barcelona team and wishes to sustainably keep getting minutes and not simply be brought on as an impact substitute from time to time as he was against both Getafe and Cadiz.

As a consequence, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the player continues to keep his options open heading into the final days of the summer transfer window and could look to attract the interest of several clubs including Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.

Both guarantee him European football to a degree with the UEFA Conference League and UEFA Europa League respectively. Another club that previously showed great attraction towards the Barcelona midfielder was fellow La Liga side Real Betis, however, they had to withdraw their attraction towards the 21-year-old due to financial problems of their own.

Barcelona remain well aware that a possible sale of the Moroccan could provide a significant financial boost to the Catalan club, although they are unwilling to let the player go for anything below the €20 million mark.

Since his arrival at Barcelona had only cost the Catalan giants €2 million, the profit that would be recorded upon his departure should a transfer fee exceed the €20 million mark would be significant.

The upcoming game should be telling for the 21-year-old Barcelona winger, as despite his priority being to excel at the Catalan club, it will be interesting to see who becomes the priority to replace the suspended Raphinha against Villarreal.

A direct competitor remains 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, whose possible selection could become the catalyst to Abde’s departure if a scenario like that ends up occurring.