Barcelona are plotting a summer move for a new left winger, as Marcus Rashford's loan stint looks increasingly unlikely to become permanent. The Catalan giants are hunting for a budget-friendly option to provide competition for Raphinha, and sporting director Deco has set his sights on a familiar face: Ez Abde.

The Morocco international left Barcelona for Real Betis back in 2023, but his journey in Seville didn't exactly start with fireworks. After an inconsistent first two seasons in Andalusia, though, Abde has truly found his groove during the 2025-26 campaign. The numbers tell the story: 12 goals and nine assists in 38 appearances across all competitions—a breakout that has Barcelona taking notice.

Here's where it gets interesting for Blaugrana fans. Barcelona cleverly inserted a sell-on clause when they sold Abde to Betis, meaning they could leverage that to lower the transfer fee needed to bring him back. It's a savvy move that could make this a financially smart signing in an era of tight budgets. But don't expect a done deal just yet—there's a complication brewing.

According to reports from Sport, Abde has reservations about returning to the Spotify Camp Nou. And the reason makes perfect sense. The winger has thrived as a consistent starter for Betis this season, and that regular playing time has been the catalyst for his impressive form. If he moves this summer, he wants the same guarantee at his next club.

That's where the problem lies for Barcelona. Raphinha is the undisputed king of the left wing at Camp Nou, and that's not changing anytime soon. Abde would likely be looking at a backup role, which doesn't exactly align with his ambitions after finally hitting his stride.

Still, if Barcelona can convince Abde to come back, this could be a masterstroke. He has the potential to be the perfect long-term successor to Raphinha—especially if he keeps developing at his current rate. For a club looking to build smartly while balancing the books, Abde represents a low-risk, high-reward option that could pay dividends for years to come.