Overview
- Liverpool completed a late €40m signing of Victor Muñoz on June 20, a move that closed off Newcastle’s primary target and forced a quick recruitment rethink.
- Newcastle have reignited interest in Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli and are prepared to trigger his reported £50–51m release clause to speed a deal.
- Abde produced an outstanding 2025–26 season for Betis with about 15 goals and double‑digit assists and has received high praise from figures such as Xavi.
- The 24‑year‑old has withdrawn from Morocco’s World Cup squad with a knee injury, creating medical and timing risks that will shape any transfer and due diligence.
- Newcastle’s ability to fund a big signing has been bolstered by Anthony Gordon’s reported £70m move to Barcelona, but Betis’ contractual terms and wider European interest mean negotiations could still be competitive.