The transfer window finally shut this Thursday at 23:59, and Elche CF, led by Christian Bragarnik, mounted a late bid to recruit Abdessamad Ezzalzouli from Barcelona.
Barcelona’s young winger had drawn interest from several top-flight clubs. Valladolid, under Pacheta, was among the first to come close to signing him. Osasuna also pressed hard recently, and it looked as if the deal might slip into Osasuna’s hands. There were even indications of an agreement in principle, with Barcelona and Pamplona being assured that the deal would go through and that the Moroccan-born player would wear red. [Source: transfer speculation reports]
But at the last moment, Elche stepped in, with the Franjiverde ownership prepared to invest heavily to take charge of Abde. The bid touched the emotion of a boy who, at seven, dreamed of playing for his city’s team after moving with his family from Morocco to the Elche area. Representatives of Ilicitano soccer drew on that sentiment, and it may sway Abde to choose Elche over Osasuna. [Source: insider accounts]
On Tuesday night, Bragarnik and Abde’s agents held a meeting that stretched into the early hours. If Barcelona, Elche, and the player’s representatives could finalize the details, the parties planned to close a deal that could have seen a definitive decision as early as today.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli was born on December 17, 2001, in Beni Mellal, Morocco. At seven, his family moved to Elche and settled in the Carrus district. He began in the youth ranks of the Franjiverde system, progressing through Elche Promesas and later moving on to Hercules. At 18, he joined Hercules’ senior side, making his debut and establishing himself as one of the standout players in Segunda B. A year ago, Ramon Plans cast his line and Barca signed him for two million euros to form part of the reserve team. [Source: career timeline summaries]
The financial strains experienced by Barcelona opened a path for Abde to join the first team sooner than expected under Koeman. He contributed last season with ten appearances and one goal in La Liga. This summer, under Xavi, he participated in pre-season preparations, but the arrivals of Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati’s return, as well as the continued presence of Dembele and Ferrán Torres, limited his chances with the first squad. [Source: club season notes]
A decision-maker within Barcelona had a long-term vision of a squad already looking ahead to 2026, underscoring the desire for Abde to keep growing at the highest level.
Abde is capable on both wings, a profile that aligned with what Francisco wanted and with the Elche sports commission’s goals. Initially, Elche believed a substantial loan investment would be required for a young player, but Bragarnik was prepared to push hard to secure Abde. The Franjiverde owner looked to win the race against Valladolid and Osasuna in a bid for stability.
Lucas Boye and Mojica were part of the discussions.
No further action was expected at Elche beyond potentially signing Abde on the closing day, though the plan to bring in a defender remained under consideration.
The rumors suggested that Boyé and Mojica might depart, but the prevailing sense was that both would stay with Elche.
The Sevilla option had its own twists. The Andalusian club could not meet the 15 million euro threshold Bragarnik reportedly sought, and Kasper Dolberg ultimately moved to Seville. [Source: transfer deadline reports]
Still, nothing could be ruled out in the final hours at Martínez Valero, a place where last-minute moves often occur. The idea of Abde arriving or a new defender joining the squad would cap a turbulent window with a flourish.
The clock continued to tick toward a decision, and Elche remained relatively calm, with Boyé and Mojica viewed as key assets who could remain unless a dramatic twist emerged.
The transfer deadline closed with Elche still in the mix, as the club weighed the potential impact of Abde or a defender in strengthening the squad for the season ahead.