PSG Consider Abdessamad Ezzalzouli as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Replacement
Paris Saint-Germain are assessing their options in attack after a serious injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Real Betis winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli emerging as a potential winter transfer target. The Morocco international has attracted attention with his pace, direct dribbling and growing influence in Spain, although Betis are expected to demand a substantial fee before considering a sale.
Kvaratskhelia’s ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee is expected to keep the Georgian forward out for the remainder of the season. His absence leaves PSG with a significant gap to address as they pursue domestic and European ambitions. Ezzalzouli is among the players reportedly under consideration, but the French champions are weighing the cost of a move against other possible solutions.
Betis set a high asking price
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, citing journalist Ekrem Konur, PSG have been monitoring Ezzalzouli ahead of the winter transfer window. However, Real Betis are in no rush to part with a player who has become important to manager Manuel Pellegrini. The club reportedly placed a valuation of around €55 million on the winger last summer, close to his release clause of approximately €60 million.
That price reflects more than Ezzalzouli’s potential. Betis would need to consider the sporting impact of losing one of their most dangerous attacking players midway through a campaign, as well as the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement during the January market. PSG may have the financial resources to pursue the deal, but the fee could prompt them to compare alternatives before making a formal move.
For the Paris club, the calculation is also about timing. A winter signing would have to adapt quickly and contribute during a demanding stretch of the season. Ezzalzouli’s familiarity with high-level football in Spain and his ability to attack defenders one-on-one could make him an appealing option, but any transfer would depend on whether PSG believe the price matches the immediate benefit.
Barcelona could receive a significant sell-on payment
Barcelona will be following developments closely. The Catalan club sold Ezzalzouli to Betis in September 2023 for €7.5 million but retained a 20% sell-on clause, giving them a financial interest in any future transfer. If Betis were to accept an offer of €55 million, Barcelona could receive close to €11 million from the sale.
The clause means a move would have consequences beyond the two clubs negotiating directly. For Barcelona, the potential payment would represent a valuable return from a former player, while Betis would need to account for the portion of any transfer fee owed to the Catalan side. The precise amount would depend on the final structure of a deal and how the sell-on agreement is applied.
That financial detail adds another layer to the transfer story. PSG must decide whether to meet Betis’ valuation, Betis must judge whether the sporting and financial terms justify selling, and Barcelona could benefit if an agreement is reached. For now, interest does not guarantee a transfer, but Ezzalzouli’s situation is one to watch as the winter window approaches.
Premier League clubs have also tracked the winger
PSG are not the first major club to consider Ezzalzouli. Aston Villa and Newcastle United reportedly explored the possibility of signing him last summer. The winger ultimately remained in Seville, where he has continued to feature prominently in Pellegrini’s plans.
His decision to stay appears to have been rewarded with regular opportunities and a platform to develop. Ezzalzouli enjoyed an impressive previous campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists in 43 appearances across competitions. Those numbers underline his ability to contribute more than just speed and flair: he can create chances, carry the ball into dangerous areas and provide a direct goal threat.
He has also made a productive start to the 2026–27 season. Ezzalzouli has scored three goals in seven league matches and added another in two Champions League outings. While early-season figures should be viewed in context, they reinforce the impression that his attacking output is continuing to grow.
Why Ezzalzouli could suit PSG’s needs
As a left-sided attacker, Ezzalzouli offers a profile that could help PSG compensate for Kvaratskhelia’s absence. He is comfortable driving at defenders, changing direction quickly and stretching opposition back lines. In a team that often faces compact defensive blocks, those qualities can create space for teammates and give the attack another route into the penalty area.
His versatility may also appeal to PSG. A winger capable of operating in different attacking roles can provide tactical flexibility, particularly when injuries and a crowded schedule force rotation. Still, moving from Betis to a club with PSG’s expectations would bring a different level of pressure, and the French side would need to assess how quickly he could adapt to its system.
Transfer prediction: interest is real, but the fee is the key
The most important factor in any potential deal is likely to be Betis’ valuation. PSG have a clear reason to explore the market after Kvaratskhelia’s long-term injury, and Ezzalzouli’s form makes him a credible candidate. But a reported €55 million price tag is a major investment for a winter signing, especially if Betis remain unwilling to negotiate.
Prediction: PSG are likely to continue evaluating Ezzalzouli, but a transfer is far from certain unless the clubs find a compromise on the fee. Betis hold a strong negotiating position because the Moroccan is an established part of their squad, while Barcelona’s sell-on clause adds a further financial consideration. Until PSG make a decisive move, Ezzalzouli’s immediate future remains in Spain—though his performances have ensured that the football world will keep watching.
