The chaos is continuing to unfold at Newcastle United but, amid the misery of Eddie Howe‘s shock departure, there is still room for a crucial incoming in the form of Abde Ezzalzouli.
The Real Betis man has been on the Magpies’ radar since the start of the summer and is still among their targets even after welcoming Bazoumana Touré earlier in the window.
Now that Aston Villa and AS Roma have dropped out of the race to sign the winger, the Tyneside club have been left in pole position, gifting them the chance to land another key attacker.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Newcastle could do with all the reinforcements that they can get this summer. With Jacob Murphy linked with a move away to Everton earlier this summer, Ezzalzouli would be the perfect upgrade. The Real Betis star is still just 24 years old and enjoyed his best season yet in Spain – scoring 13 goals and assisting another 13. |
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Finances |
Real Betis have set a clear price-tag and one that Newcastle are reportedly willing to match. The Magpies are reportedly ready to offer as much as €60m (£51m) to sign Ezzalzouli this summer. |
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Scouting |
It’s difficult to see where the goals will come from in this current Newcastle side now that Anthony Gordon has departed and Bruno Guimaraes is heading for the exit door. Ezzalzouli can solve that problem after scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season – 10 of which came in La Liga. |
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Impact |
The arrival of the winger would likely end Newcastle’s search for wide men, before they centre their focus back on some much-needed midfield reinforcements. |
Ezzalzouli’s arrival would finally bring some good news back to St James’ Park. Whether Newcastle turn their interest into an offer is still the big question, however.
Newcastle handed double boost in Ezzalzouli race
As reported by Estadio Deportivo and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now ready to offer €60m (£51m) to sign Ezzalzouli – matching Real Betis’ asking price. The Tyneside club are now in pole position in pursuit of the winger, having seen Aston Villa and Roma drop out of the race, and could close in on their man.
Dubbed “decisive” by Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini, Ezzalzouli could bring the goals that this Newcastle side are so desperately lacking, replacing Anthony Gordon in the process.
It’s not just goals that the winger would bring, either. The 24-year-old completed 1.56 dribbles per 90 last season, whilst also winning 7.74 duels.
This is a player who’s capable of winning possession back quickly, which will suit Matthias Jaissle‘s style, and then using it in clinical fashion. On paper, it’s a deal that Newcastle should do everything to secure.
