Ez Abde’s journey since his summer transfer from FC Barcelona to Real Betis for €7.5 million for 50% of his pass has not met expectations. The Moroccan winger has found playing time scarce, featuring for just eleven minutes across Betis’s last four La Liga matches. This downturn in fortunes is in stark contrast to Xavi Hernández’s summer prediction when EZ Abde sought a move for more regular starting opportunities.
With a total of 32 appearances this season, amounting to 1,453 minutes, Abde’s contribution has been limited in La Liga with only five starts. His participation has been more notable in European competitions and the Copa del Rey, where he managed to score five goals across all competitions. Despite these moments, Manuel Pellegrini, Betis’s coach, has not integrated Abde significantly into his recent match plans.
Xavi’s words about Abde’s potential playing time at Betis now seem prophetic. The Barcelona coach had expressed doubts about Abde’s chances of regularly starting for the Andalusian side. This prediction has materialized, as the winger struggles to carve out a significant role within a competitive squad.
The arrival of new talents and seasoned players at Betis has only intensified competition for places. Assane Diao’s emergence, along with the contributions of Ayoze, Chimy Ávila, and Pablo Fornals, has overshadowed Abde’s efforts to impress. This increased competition has made it challenging for Abde to secure a consistent place on the team.
FC Barcelona retains the option to re-sign EZ Abde from Betis for €20 million at the end of this season or for €25 million after the 2024/25 season. However, given Abde’s current trajectory and Xavi’s prescient comments, exercising this buy-back option seems increasingly unlikely.
Bottom Line
Ez Abde moved to Real Betis, aiming to get more playing time. But for now, he’s yet to fulfill his aspirations, as noted by Xavi Hernández’s insightful comments last summer. Abde’s struggle for relevance at Betis, amid a crowded field of competitors, showcases the challenges players face when transitioning to new environments. As the season progresses, Abde’s situation serves as a case study on the importance of match time for developing talents and the foresight coaches like Xavi can offer regarding player careers.
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