On the final day of the summer transfer window, Everton made a significant move by submitting a €43 million (£37 million) bid for Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli. However, the proposal was swiftly rejected, as Betis insisted that the Moroccan's €60 million (£52 million) release clause must be met for any potential transfer, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo and relayed by Sport Witness.
The rejected offer comprised €35 million in fixed payments, supplemented by an additional €8 million in performance-related bonuses. Despite the considerable sum offered, Real Betis remained firm in their stance, leaving Everton with the option to either meet the release clause or withdraw from negotiations entirely. Ultimately, the Toffees chose to walk away from the deal without presenting an improved offer.
This bid for Ezzalzouli came on the heels of a failed attempt to sign striker Folarin Balogun from Monaco. Although the two clubs had completed the necessary paperwork, Balogun opted out of the transfer after expressing discomfort with the medical process, which raised concerns about the handling of his situation. Monaco's chief executive, Thiago Scuro, confirmed that the young striker's apprehensions played a significant role in the breakdown of the deal.
Following the collapse of the Balogun transfer, Everton began exploring other options, including potential targets like Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham. However, their last-minute approach for Ezzalzouli ultimately did not yield the desired results. Newcastle United had also shown interest in the winger, but Betis chose to retain him.
Abde Ezzalzouli enjoyed a standout season in 2025/26, netting 10 goals and providing eight assists in 29 La Liga appearances, along with four goals in the Europa League and one in the Copa del Rey. His impressive performances have certainly attracted attention, but many analysts question whether it would have been prudent for Everton to pay the full £52 million for a player when the club is facing a more pressing need for a central striker.
Currently, Thierno Barry is the only recognized senior striker on Everton's roster, following the departure of Beto to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye's transfer to Manchester City. With the club concluding the window with just 18 senior outfield players, investing heavily in a winger seems misaligned with their most urgent needs.
The financial implications of such a transfer also raise concerns. Abde's 10 league goals were scored from approximately 9.3 expected goals, indicating that while he has been an effective finisher, his performance does not suggest a significant overachievement. His success has largely come within a possession-oriented Betis side, which allowed him ample opportunities to shine.
Everton, under manager David Moyes, typically relies on a more direct style of play that emphasizes quick transitions. Integrating Ezzalzouli into this system without adequate central support could potentially limit his effectiveness. The initial €43 million offer was already a considerable commitment, and meeting the £52 million release clause could have been perceived as a hasty decision in a chaotic transfer window.
Real Betis had every right to uphold the release clause, given that Abde is under contract until 2029 and has established himself within the Moroccan national team setup. For Everton, however, the decision to withdraw from negotiations appears justified. The failed Balogun deal highlighted a pressing need for a striker, and spending a club-record fee on a winger would not address the underlying issues within the squad.
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