- Newcastle eyeing Ezzazlouli as Gordon replacement
- How Ezzalzouli deal could benefit Barcelona
- Why the Moroccan would be perfect for Newcastle
The imminent departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m has caused some surprise that Barcelona are able to pay the sum given their financial difficulties. But the replacement Newcastle reportedly have in mind is causing some speculation about whether it was an agreed part of the deal.
Abde Ezzalzouli has been in the Magpies’ crosshairs for a little while now, with the club sending scouts to watch a Real Betis game toward the conclusion of the season. With the sale of Gordon, he appears to be one of the main targets on Newcastle’s radar, and talk is growing around a possible move.
Interestingly, Ezzalzouli was initially a La Masia graduate before leaving for Betis after making only two appearances for the Blaugrana’s first team. But Barcelona still have clauses in his contract that would allow them to capitalise on any sale this summer.
Barcelona’s sell on clause
As has been discussed in the wake of the updated links with the Magpies, Barcelona actually have a 20% sell on clause in Ezzalzouli’s contract.
This means that, of the £51.9m that it would take to meet Ezzalzouli’s release clause, the Catalan club would make around £12m.
Barcelona have some rather pressing matters this summer, especially with the departure of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and the return of Marcus Rashford from his Manchester United loan.
With Barca now looking set to sign Anthony Gordon for a hefty sum, Julian Alvarez is the top target to fill the striker position, but the club will likely have to raise some more funds if they are to manage the signing of both players.
Newcastle Ezzazouli purchase to help Barcelona
This sentiment has raised some questions about whether there is a possible agreement between Newcastle and Barcelona regarding Gordon and Ezzalzouli.
In tandem with Barcelona buying Gordon for just under £70m, if Newcastle then purchase Ezzalzouli, who was one of the targets this summer anyway if Gordon left, Barcelona would recoup £12m of the transfer outlay.
In which case, Barcelona are essentially only paying £58m to secure Gordon’s services, whilst Newcastle are earning £20m due to only paying £50m for Ezzalzouli and purchasing Gordon for £40m. Both clubs get their man, both get a financially good deal and everyone walks away happy.
Why Ezzalzouli would work at Newcastle
In many ways, the surface profile of Ezzalzoui could see him actually work out as a better option for Eddie Howe‘s system.
Ezzalzouli has the work rate and intensity to replace that lost with Gordon’s sale. He is very adept in a high press and isn’t afraid of doing the defensive side of the game too.
But in many ways, the Moroccan is slightly more technical than Gordon and has a deeper bag when it comes to beating his man and chance creation.
Ezzalzouli has accumulated a massively impressive total of 15 goals and 10 assists this season and is set to go to the World Cup with his national team this summer.
Put all of those things together and Ezzalzouli emerges as a solid way to evolve the technical and creative abilities of the squad whilst not sacrificing the physical and athletic prowess that Howe holds so dear.
