Ez Abde convinces coach Xavi to keep him at Barcelona for 23-24 season
The winger will get a chance to prove himself at the Catalan club this year
With the game compact, with no bite on the wings and with Raphinha sent off in the first half, Barcelona coach Xavi used Abde during the second half to try to unblock the game against Getafe.
The winger came on after the break, replacing Christensen, and was one of the players who created the most danger in the final third. It was the confirmation that the Moroccan is back to stay at Barça.
After a very successful season at Osasuna, Abde was one of the only loan players with a real chance of returning to Barça. It was also true that he was the only one with a big name on the market for whom Barça could get a big fee. But the days have gone by, the transfer window has evolved and the player has convinced the coaching staff.
There were some doubts among Xavi's staff about his performances as a Barça player, due to his irregularity. However, during the pre-season, he showed that he has a place in the first-team squad and his role could be important throughout the season. The player has matured in terms of his football and has improved his physical preparation.
Abde has a profile that does not exist in the current Barcelona squad, even more so with the departure of Ousmane Dembélé, heading to Paris Saint-Germain: overflow, speed, one-on-one and an ability to link, play make and score. With the absence of Dembele, the Moroccan is the player who most resembles him in the style of footballer that Xavi needs in his team.
Despite a great offer from Real Betis, who offered 10 million euros for 50% of the player's rights, Abde always prioritised to continue wearing the Blaugrana colours. He preferred not to take any decision before knowing what role he would have in Barça and, after a talk with the coaching staff, he opted for the Catalan team.
Unless there is a stratospheric offer from the Premier League in the final days of the market -- which does not seem likely to come at the moment -- Abde will be part of Barcelona's first team this season.
