Why Barcelona Let La Liga's Moroccan Sensation Slip Away

Sitting near the top of La Liga and unbeaten in the Champions League with a maximum nine points from their opening three matches, Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis are enjoying the best start to a season in the club's history.

A cornerstone of the Verdiblancos' scintillating form has been the performances of Moroccan winger Ez Abde down the left flank. He is a genuine difference-maker, blessed with electrifying one-on-one dribbling ability and a relentless defensive work rate off the ball. A prime example of flair and dedication, Abde once belonged to Barcelona, but peculiar contract clauses eventually saw him end up permanently in Heliópolis for just €7.5 million.

Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo broke down the Moroccan star's situation:

"It all began in the summer of 2021 when, thanks to Ramón Planes' sharp eye for emerging talent, Barcelona set their sights on a promising young prospect—a skilful winger making waves for Hércules in Segunda División B. Catalan scouts tracked the player, who had moved to Spain with his parents as a young child. Having developed through the youth ranks at Hércules, he had already earned a starting spot for the first team at the Rico Pérez stadium by the age of 18.

Barcelona's scouting reports were overwhelmingly positive, and on deadline day in the summer of 2021, the Blaugrana triggered his €2 million release clause. Abde initially linked up with the reserve squad, but his stellar displays could not be ignored for long. On October 30 that same year, interim boss Sergi Barjuán—holding the reins between Ronald Koeman's dismissal and Xavi Hernández's arrival—handed him his La Liga debut against Alavés.

Abde went on to enjoy an impressive loan spell at Osasuna, prompting Betis to take advantage of Barcelona's delicate financial situation and sign him permanently for €7.5 million. The Catalans retained buy-back clauses valued at €20 million until 2024 and €25 million in 2025.

Barcelona also retained a 50% sell-on fee on any future transfer by Betis. However, the early departure of Vitor Roque saw that sell-on percentage reduced to 20%. Consequently, should another club trigger the Seville side's number 11's €60 million release clause, Barcelona would pocket just €12 million.

That figure sits well below the €70m-plus paid to Newcastle for Anthony Gordon this summer, and is just half of the €24 million Borussia Dortmund paid for Karim Adeyemi—two players who, despite their fine form, do not outclass Abde in individual ability. The Moroccan has proved as much on the Champions League stage, cementing his status as a firm fan favourite at the Estadio de La Cartuja."