Newcastle United are preparing for a massive attacking reshuffle ahead of the new season.
The club are now moving quickly in the market as Anthony Gordon edges closer to completing his high-profile transfer to Barcelona.
The England international is currently in Spain finalising the move after Newcastle agreed a deal worth an initial €70 million.
The total package could eventually rise beyond €80 million with add-ons included. Gordon arrived in Barcelona on Thursday to complete his medical at Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are already working aggressively to secure his replacement before the World Cup begins. The Magpies have identified a former Barcelona forward as his replacement.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Newcastle United are prepared to trigger the €60 million release clause of Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli as Anthony Gordon’s replacement.
Barcelona retained a 20 per cent sell-on clause when they sold the Moroccan international to Real Betis back in 2023.
Thus, Abde’s potential transfer to Newcastle would hand the Catalan club around €12 million, effectively reducing the overall cost of Gordon’s arrival.
The 24-year-old is coming off the best season of his career after registering 14 goals and 13 assists across all competitions for Real Betis.
Abde first rose to prominence at Hercules before Barcelona signed him for €2 million in 2021.
However, he struggled to secure a permanent place in the first team. That is why he went on loan to Osasuna and enjoyed a productive loan spell there.
The winger helped Osasuna reach the Copa del Rey final. He eventually joined Real Betis in a €7.5 million deal in 2023.
Now, Newcastle believe Abde possesses the quality needed to replace Anthony Gordon ahead of next season. It remains to be seen whether the Magpies can complete the deal quickly.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
