Leeds United have reportedly enquired about the availability of Barcelona starlet Ez Abde, according to Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: Top talent
Signed by Barcelona B in 2019 from Hercules, the 20-year-old winger progressed into Xavi's first-team plans during the 2021/22 campaign.
Abde ended the season with 11 senior outings for the Catalan giants, having scored twice and provided seven assists in 20 appearances for the B team.
Despite seemingly having a bright future in Spain, it appears that Leeds are keen on bringing the Moroccan to the Premier League...
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The latest: Leeds interested in Abde
As per Sport, translated by Sport Witness, Leeds have 'mentioned' the name of Abde whilst discussing other deals with Barcelona - perhaps the widely-speculated transfer of Raphinha to Camp Nou.
It is suggested that Wolves - who loaned Adama Traore to the La Liga club in January - also enquired about the possibility of signing the 20-year-old.
Under contract at Camp Nou until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the report makes no mention of a desire from Barcelona to sell the youngster, who was hailed as 'extraordinary' by Xavi following a 2-2 draw against Osasuna in which the versatile attacker scored and also completed five successful dribbles in a 7.2-rated performance from Sofascore.
The verdict: Smart move
Equally adept on either wing, signing Abde amidst the possibility of either or both of Raphinha and Jack Harrison departing would be a smart piece of business from Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta.
The talented starlet completed 3.4 dribbles per game during 10 La Liga outings in his breakthrough season at that level, highlighting a penchant for beating defenders which would be welcomed with open arms at Elland Road, where nobody averaged more than two successful dribbles per match in 2021/22.
Boasting stylistic similarities with the likes of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, Sevilla ace Lucas Ocampos and the aforementioned Traore (Fbref), Abde is certainly one to watch as the next generation of talent comes through at Barcelona, and Leeds would be wise to remain attentive to the possibility of this capture.
In other news, Leeds are eyeing up another signing after Aaronson. Find out who it is here