According to Diario de Sevilla, a Newcastle United scout attended the match between Real Betis and Elche at the Estadio de la Cartuja on Tuesday evening specifically to observe the 24-year-old Moroccan international. The Spanish newspaper reports that both Newcastle and Aston Villa are "very, very interested" in Abde, though neither club has yet submitted a formal bid.
Real Betis are fully aware of the interest and are waiting for concrete offers before entering negotiations.
Abde has had a breakthrough season at Betis, contributing 14 goals and 13 assists across all competitions — form that has driven his market value up significantly and helped the Andalusian club qualify for the Champions League. His contract runs until 2029 and he carries a release clause of €60 million, though Betis would consider selling for around €40 million.
Newcastle's interest comes in the context of uncertainty over Anthony Gordon's future, with the club assessing attacking reinforcements ahead of what they hope will be a stronger campaign next season. Aston Villa are targeting wide options of their own as they prepare for another Champions League campaign.
Barcelona are also in the picture, but their interest comes with caveats. The Catalans retain 20% of Abde's transfer rights following a complex arrangement: they sold 50% of his rights to Betis for €7.5 million in September 2023, then ceded a further 30% as compensation for the early termination of Vinícius Morais's loan in February 2025. That financial stake means any transfer would generate a windfall for Barcelona regardless of whether they are the buying club — internally they valued a full buy-back at no more than €30 million, a figure Betis consider insufficient.
Spanish outlet SPORT reports Barcelona do not currently view re-signing Abde as a priority. Their previous relationship with Betis, built across multiple player deals in recent years, could smooth a transaction if they choose to move — but for now the path looks clearer for the Premier League clubs.
Betis may choose to delay any final decision until after the World Cup, where Abde is expected to feature for Morocco and could further increase his market value.