Barça frustrated by Abde deal not materialising

Barça is reportedly frustrated over one of the exits it had pinned hopes on: a potential move for Abde from Real Betis that has ultimately not been completed. Mundo Deportivo writes that while the Blaugrana have brought in “a bit over €100m” through player sales—some of it tied to training rights and contract agreements—this particular case never found its final deal.

Promising, but no deal

According to the report, Barça still held 20% of Abde’s rights for a future transfer. If the move had happened, that stake would have meant roughly €8.6m for the club. That figure was part of the expectations inside Barça.

However, the article says Betis chose to retain the player in the squad despite offers arriving for him. Abde’s release clause was set at €60m, and in England some clubs considered paying it.

Everton’s late approach

Earlier in the process, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace were mentioned as showing openness. But the final, more significant attempt came from Everton, which—after missing out elsewhere—made its last big move with an offer of €43m.

Mundo Deportivo adds that Everton’s summer/market attention also included failed pursuits for Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham. In the end, the deal didn’t progress far enough for Barça to benefit from its 20% share: the report notes that a scenario of €35m plus €8m in add-ons—which had been discussed—would have reduced Barça’s take to around €7m.