Newcastle's pursuit of Ez Abde could hand Barcelona a €12m Gordon discount

Newcastle United’s move to replace Anthony Gordon — sold to Barcelona for €80m earlier this week — could trigger a financial windfall for the Catalan club, with the Premier League side reportedly targeting Real Betis winger Ez Abde as his successor.

According to Spanish outlet MD, Newcastle have identified the 24-year-old Morocco international as their primary target after Abde enjoyed the best season of his career at Betis. The winger had previously been on Barcelona’s own shortlist before they pivoted to signing Gordon, meaning his potential move to St James’ Park would represent a significant change in direction for all parties.

The financial mechanics of a deal are where Barcelona’s interest becomes acute. When the Catalan club sold Abde to Real Betis in 2023, they retained a 20% sell-on clause. Betis have set his release clause at €60m, meaning that if Newcastle were to activate it in full, Barcelona would receive €12m — effectively reducing the net cost of Gordon to €68m.

In practice, Newcastle are likely to push for a negotiated fee below the €60m release clause, which would reduce Barcelona’s windfall accordingly. Betis, however, are under little pressure to sell one of their standout performers at a discount, and the Spanish club’s resistance would actually serve Barcelona’s interests.

The potential domino effect does not end with Abde. MD’s report notes that Betis would look to sign Joan Virgili from Mallorca as a replacement should their winger depart. Barcelona hold a 40% sell-on clause for Virgili, who became available for just €12m after a relegation release clause in his contract was triggered earlier this week. Were that deal to materialise, Barcelona would collect a further fee on top of any Abde sell-on payment.

For now, the chain of transfers remains speculative. Newcastle have not confirmed their interest in Abde, and no deal between any of the clubs has been agreed. But the financial logic gives Barcelona every reason to monitor developments at St James’ Park closely as the summer window takes shape.