Aston Villa could turn their attention toward Morocco international Abde Ezzalzouli as Unai Emery looks to rebuild his attacking options following Morgan Rogers’ expected move to Chelsea.
The Real Betis winger has attracted attention from several European clubs after an impressive season in Spain, despite missing the 2026 World Cup through injury.
According to reports, both Aston Villa and Newcastle United are monitoring the 24-year-old, who has developed into one of La Liga’s most exciting wide attackers.
With Villa preparing for another Champions League campaign, adding more quality in the final third has become a major priority.
Quick Transfer Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Abde Ezzalzouli |
| Current Club | Real Betis |
| Interested Clubs | Aston Villa, Newcastle United |
| Position | Left Winger |
| Age | 24 |
| Release Clause | €60m (£42.4m) |
| Contract Until | 2029 |
| Transfer Status | Reported Interest |
Abde Ezzalzouli’s Breakthrough Season at Real Betis
Ezzalzouli enjoyed the best campaign of his career before suffering the disappointment of missing the World Cup.
The Moroccan winger produced impressive numbers across domestic and European competitions.
Season Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 12 |
His performances helped establish him as one of Real Betis’ most influential attacking players.
Why Aston Villa Are Interested
Villa’s interest comes at an important moment.
Morgan Rogers is expected to complete a huge £117 million move to Chelsea, leaving Unai Emery searching for fresh attacking options.
Ezzalzouli fits the profile Villa often target because he is:
- ✅ Young with room to improve
- ✅ Experienced in European competitions
- ✅ Capable of playing multiple attacking roles
- ✅ Dangerous in one-on-one situations
A Versatile Option for Unai Emery
One of Ezzalzouli’s biggest strengths is his tactical flexibility.
Although naturally a left winger, he is comfortable playing across the front line and can also operate in more central attacking positions.
That versatility is particularly valuable for Emery, who frequently changes formations during matches.
Preferred Positions
| Position | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Left Winger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Right Winger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Attacking Midfielder | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
Transfer Price: £42 Million Release Clause
Ezzalzouli remains under contract with Real Betis until 2029, giving the Spanish club a strong negotiating position.
However, reports suggest his contract includes a release clause worth:
€60 million (£42.4 million)
For Premier League clubs, that figure represents a significant investment but remains achievable, especially if Aston Villa complete the lucrative sale of Morgan Rogers.
Learning English Fuels Premier League Speculation
Another interesting development surrounding Ezzalzouli is his decision to learn English.
The Morocco international has publicly acknowledged that he is studying the language, increasing speculation that he could be preparing for a move to England.
While this does not confirm any transfer plans, it would certainly help him adapt more quickly if he joins a Premier League club.
Could Ezzalzouli Replace Morgan Rogers?
Replacing Rogers will be a difficult task after his outstanding performances for Villa.
However, Ezzalzouli brings a different attacking profile.
| Morgan Rogers | Abde Ezzalzouli |
|---|---|
| Powerful runner | Excellent dribbler |
| Physical presence | Natural winger |
| Direct attacking style | Creative wide playmaker |
| Strong ball carrying | Outstanding one-on-one ability |
Rather than replacing Rogers like-for-like, Ezzalzouli would offer Villa a new attacking dimension.
Newcastle United Also Monitoring the Situation
Aston Villa are not the only club interested.
Newcastle United are also reportedly following Ezzalzouli’s situation as they continue strengthening their squad for domestic and European competitions.
If both clubs decide to make formal offers, the Moroccan winger could become the subject of an exciting Premier League transfer battle.
Aston Villa’s Need for a New Winger
Several developments have increased Villa’s need for attacking reinforcements.
Current situation:
- Morgan Rogers nearing a move to Chelsea.
- Jadon Sancho not expected to join permanently.
- Leon Bailey linked with a possible departure.
Adding Ezzalzouli would significantly strengthen Villa’s options on the left flank.
Possible Aston Villa Front Four
Watkins
Ezzalzouli Bailey / New Signing
ManzambiHis pace, creativity, and dribbling ability could provide Villa with another dangerous weapon against compact defenses.
Why Ezzalzouli Fits Emery’s System
Unai Emery values attackers who can combine technical quality with tactical discipline.
Ezzalzouli offers:
- Excellent dribbling in tight spaces.
- Intelligent movement between defenders.
- High work rate without possession.
- Creativity in transition.
- The ability to beat defenders one-on-one.
Those qualities make him an attractive option for Villa’s high-intensity attacking style.
By the Numbers
| Number | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 24 | Ezzalzouli’s age |
| 41 | Appearances last season |
| 14 | Goals scored |
| 12 | Assists provided |
| €60m | Reported release clause |
Did You Know?
- 🇲🇦 Abde Ezzalzouli has become one of Morocco’s most exciting attacking talents in recent years.
- ⚽ His combination of pace and close control makes him especially dangerous in one-on-one situations.
- 🟢 Real Betis secured him on a long-term contract running until 2029.
- 🏆 Aston Villa continue targeting players capable of competing at both Premier League and Champions League level.
Final Thoughts
Abde Ezzalzouli represents an exciting opportunity for Aston Villa as they prepare for life after Morgan Rogers. While he offers a different style of play, his creativity, technical ability, and versatility could make him an excellent fit in Unai Emery’s tactical system.
At just 24 years old, the Morocco international is entering the prime years of his career. If Villa succeed in bringing him to the Premier League, they could secure one of La Liga’s most exciting wide attackers while adding another dynamic option for their return to Champions League football.
