Italian Giants Enter Race to Sign Zalzouli
AS Roma has joined the race to sign Real Betis winger Abdel Samad Ezzalzouli, competing against Newcastle United, who are reportedly ready to offer €50 million for the Moroccan international.
Which Italian clubs are chasing Zalzouli?
AS Roma leads Italian interest in Ezzalzouli, according to Spanish sources cited by Italian outlet LaRoma24, with the club already tracking the winger for several transfer windows. Bologna and Como have also previously scouted the 24-year-old, drawn by his dribbling ability and pace on the wing.facebook+2
Why is Zalzouli attracting so much attention?
Ezzalzouli enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season under coach Manuel Pellegrini at Real Betis, becoming one of LaLiga’s most influential attacking wingers before a knee injury ruled him out of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup campaign. His technical dribbling and directness have made him a target across England, Italy, and Spain, with Betis holding out for a fee close to his release clause.
What is the background on his Betis contract?
Real Betis signed Ezzalzouli from Barcelona in 2023 for €7.3 million, with Barcelona retaining a 20% sell-on percentage on any future transfer. His current deal runs until June 2029 and reportedly carries a release clause between €60 million and €70 million, though Betis have signaled they would consider offers starting around €40 million. Coach Pellegrini has publicly asked the Morocco international to stay for at least one more season as Betis push for a Champions League spot.
What comes next for Zalzouli’s transfer saga?
Ezzalzouli is currently completing his recovery from a knee ligament injury and is set to rejoin Betis training this week ahead of the new season. According to Diario de Sevilla, Betis are demanding over €40 million and will not rush a sale while the player focuses on fitness, leaving Roma, Newcastle, and Aston Villa to continue monitoring the situation into August. For more on Serie A’s summer transfer activity, see our pillar page on the AS Roma 2026-27 transfer window.
