Reports suggest that FC Barcelona, the Spanish football giants, have requested Morocco U-23 captain Abde Ezzalzouli to refrain from participating in their second Group A match against Ghana at the ongoing Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.
The 21-year-old forward, who scored two goals in the Group A opener against Guinea, has allegedly been advised by FC Barcelona to withdraw from the tournament.
According to Spanish tabloid Diario Sport, FC Barcelona has reached out to the talented winger, urging him to excuse himself from the ongoing competition as he has been included in Xavi’s squad list for the upcoming 2023/24 pre-season, scheduled for next month.
Sources indicate that the Spanish La Liga champions are considering selling Abde Ezzalzouli during the summer transfer window, despite his inclusion in Xavi’s plans for the next season. The player is reportedly valued at €35 million.
Abde Ezzalzouli spent the previous season on loan at CA Osasuna, where he impressively scored six goals and provided two assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
The upcoming match between Morocco and Ghana in Group A of the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
A victory in this game will secure a semi-final spot for either Ghana or Morocco in the tournament, which serves as a qualification event for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
