£51m Newcastle United transfer target 'likely' to miss World Cup after suffering injury
The Newcastle United-linked winger is reportedly set to miss the World Cup.
Newcastle United transfer target Abde Ezzalzouli could reportedly miss the World Cup through injury.
The Magpies have been linked with several wingers as they search for an Anthony Gordon replacement after selling the England international to Barcelona for £69million.
Gordon didn’t feature in any of United’s remaining six Premier League matches of last season in preparation for his exit, meaning his appearance for England in Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand was his first since April 12.
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The 25-year-old is gearing up for the World Cup, with the Three Lions’ campaign getting underway against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17.
Newcastle United target Abde Ezzalzouli could miss World Cup
However, Newcastle might not get to see one of their targets in action in the same tournament after Ezzalzouli withdrew with an injury in Morocco’s final warm-up match against Norway.
The Real Betis star was replaced at half-time and according to Moroccan journalist Hanif Ben Berkane, he is likely to miss the tournament due to a knee issue.
Berkane wrote on X: “Initial examinations of Abde Ezzalzouli indicate a sprain of the internal knee ligament. He is likely to be OUT for the World Cup. Further examinations will take place, but he should miss 3-4 weeks of competition.”
The 25-year-old has just come off the back of his best season to date, scoring 15 times and providing 13 assists as Betis finished 5th in La Liga and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Ezzalzouli started his career at Barcelona before joining Betis three years ago. It’s understood the winger has a £51million release clause, though Barca retain a 20% sell-on clause.
Newcastle United exploring move for Victor Munoz
There is, however, another player for Newcastle fans to keep a close eye on with Osasuna star Victor Munoz representing Spain.
The Magpies are exploring a deal for the 22-year-old, who has a £34.5million release clause, following his breakthrough season in Spain, but face stiff competition.
Newcastle held talks with Swedish outfit AIK over signing Zadok Yohanna, but the 18-year-old Nigerian was announced as a Brighton & Hove Albion player over the weekend on a five-year deal.