AS Roma is preparing an ambitious move to sign Moroccan international Abde Ezzalzouli, identifying the Real Betis winger as a primary attacking target for the summer transfer window.
Reports from Spanish and Italian media indicate that Roma is considering an offer that could approach €60 million, matching the release clause in Ezzalzouli’s contract with Real Betis.
While the Serie A club has not yet submitted an official proposal, their interest is concrete. Opening negotiations are expected to begin in the €40M to €45M range, though Real Betis remains firm on holding out for a fee near his full buyout clause.
Real Betis Hold Strong Position
Real Betis is under no financial pressure to sell Ezzalzouli, whose current contract runs through the summer of 2029. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini views the 24-year-old winger as a cornerstone of his squad as the club prepares for its return to the UEFA Champions League.
Financial Breakdown: Barcelona Set for 20% Sell-On Cut
FC Barcelona stands to gain a significant financial windfall from any potential transfer. The Catalan club retains a 20% sell-on clause, which would yield €12 million if Roma triggers the €60 million release clause.
Barcelona originally sold Ezzalzouli to Real Betis in the summer of 2023 for €7.5 million, initially retaining 50% of his economic rights. However, Barca relinquished a 30% stake to Betis as part of the agreement that ended Vitor Roque’s loan spell and enabled his transfer to Palmeiras.
Consequently, Real Betis currently owns 80% of Ezzalzouli’s rights. A €60 million sale would see Betis collect €48 million, while remitting €12 million to Barcelona.
Premier League Clubs and Barcelona Monitor Situation
Roma faces stiff competition from England. Newcastle United leads the Premier League clubs tracking Ezzalzouli and has previously shown a willingness to match his release clause. Aston Villa is also monitoring his situation, while Tottenham Hotspur has made preliminary inquiries following the winger’s breakout performances in Spain.
Barcelona internally considered re-signing Ezzalzouli to reinforce their left flank. However, given the high transfer fee and complex negotiations with Betis, capitalizing on their 20% sell-on clause remains the more realistic outcome.
Breakout Season: Stats & Champions League Qualification
Ezzalzouli established himself as a prime transfer target following the finest season of his career. During the 2025–2026 campaign with Real Betis, he recorded:
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43 Appearances across all competitions
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15 Goals (10 in La Liga, 4 in the UEFA Europa League, 1 in the Copa del Rey)
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13 Assists
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28 Total Goal Contributions
His individual brilliance helped Real Betis secure a 5th-place finish in La Liga, earning the club its second-ever UEFA Champions League qualification—and its first since the 2005–2006 season—alongside a run to the Europa League quarterfinals.
The winger’s dramatic improvement in efficiency front of goal earned him back-to-back Player of the Month awards at Betis. Although a knee ligament injury sustained in a friendly against Norway forced him to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Morocco, Ezzalzouli has returned to Seville to undergo specialized rehabilitation ahead of pre-season training.
