Ez Abde could leave Barca for Bayer Leverkusen
Something is brewing over Abde's future at Barça. The Blaugrana must move one of their attackers on if they want to complete the squad and the Moroccan winger could be the one to suffer despite the fact that Barça are happy with him. The club would prefer a move for Ansu Fati, but the player's refusal to leave is making it impossible and Abde already has offers on the table. Bayer Leverkusen are the strongest bidders for the Blaugrana attacker and could make an offer of around 20 million euros plus targets if Barça can get him to go.
Abde arrived at the pre-season with the aim of convincing Xavi to stay. The Moroccan was very clear that he was not a saint of Xavi Hernandez's devotion. He does not forget that the arrival of the Blaugrana coach caused him to go back down to the reserve team and that in the summer he was forced to go out on loan to Osasuna without practically being able to prove his worth. It was clear that he was going to have a difficult time, especially after some of Xavi's statements about his irregularity, but the immense quality of the Moroccan has finally tipped the balance. From a sporting point of view, there is no longer any doubt that he is a valid player for the team and he would be part of the rotations, but the economic needs of the club are tightening and he could leave.
Abde's entourage have not been too active in the winger's intentions to stay at Barça. They have been receiving interest and had only made progress with Betis, a club that was willing to make an effort to keep fifty percent of the player's ownership for around 10 million euros. It was an option that did not displease Abde, although he had almost made up his mind that he was going to remain in Blaugrana.
In the last few days, things have changed. Xavi wants a more offensive profile and different from what is in the squad and the only way he can come is to give him an outlet up top. The chosen one has always been Ansu Fati, but today the player's refusal is categorical. And now the focus is on Abde because the operation is simple. Bayer Leverkusen could go as high as 20 million euros, but it is not at all clear to introduce a buy-back option. In any case it should be very high. The deal is on the table and a decision will be made next week.
Another team that has shown willingness to bid is Aston Villa, but it would be in a second position. The figure of Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen could be the key to tip the balance provided that Abde says he wants to leave and that Barça do not find some other formula to bring in money in the form of departures.
