FC Barcelona have reportedly decided against bringing back Moroccan winger Abdel Samad Zalzouli during the upcoming summer transfer window, despite growing reports linking the player with a return to the Catalan side.
The 24-year-old currently plays for Real Betis and has impressed with a series of strong performances since leaving Barcelona in 2023. His development in Andalusia had fuelled speculation that the Spanish giants were considering re-signing him to strengthen the attacking options available to coach Hansi Flick ahead of next season.
However, Catalan newspaper Sport reported that the club has no intention of pursuing a deal for the Moroccan international, dismissing the recent rumours as unfounded.
According to the report, Barcelona’s recruitment plans are focused on different targets as the club looks to reinforce key positions in an effort to challenge for major honours next season. The priority remains building a squad capable of competing for all trophies, particularly the UEFA Champions League title, which has eluded the club for several years.
Zalzouli previously featured for Barcelona’s first team during the 2021-22 campaign before being loaned to CA Osasuna the following season. He later completed a permanent move to Real Betis in the summer of 2023 in a transfer reportedly worth €7.5m.
Since leaving Camp Nou, the winger has rebuilt his reputation with consistent displays for Betis and the Moroccan national team. His pace, direct style of play and attacking output have attracted attention from several clubs across Europe.
Sport also stated that Barcelona do not possess a buy-back clause or any special right to reclaim the player from Real Betis, contrary to claims that have circulated in recent months. Any future attempt to sign the winger would therefore require Barcelona to negotiate under the same conditions as other interested clubs.
That situation could complicate matters further, especially with growing interest from the English Premier League.
The report claims that Newcastle United and Aston Villa are both monitoring Zalzouli closely. Real Betis are said to be open to selling the player, although the club may delay any transfer decision in the hope that his market value increases further.
Betis are reportedly waiting to see whether the Moroccan winger shines with Morocco national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before sanctioning a move, believing a strong international tournament could significantly raise his transfer fee.
Zalzouli has enjoyed an impressive spell with Real Betis, making 41 appearances across all competitions. During that period, he scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists, directly contributing to 27 goals for the Andalusian side.
Those performances have strengthened his reputation as one of Morocco’s emerging attacking talents and ensured continued interest from clubs seeking to reinforce their forward line ahead of next season.
