FC Barcelona are wasting no time in planning for next season, with the UEFA Champions League firmly in their sights. After securing the La Liga title, the club's focus has shifted to strengthening the squad in three key areas: a new centre-forward, a centre-back, and a left-winger.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already made enquiries about a familiar face—former winger Ez Abde, who now plays for Real Betis. The Catalan giants reached out last week to check on the Moroccan international's situation, as he features prominently on their shortlist for the left wing.

Abde was sold to Betis in September 2023 for €7.3 million, with Barcelona retaining a buy-back option and 50% of any future sale rights. However, those terms were later adjusted. When Barça needed to terminate Vitor Roque's loan early to sell him to Palmeiras in the winter window of 2025, they gave up an additional 30% of Abde's rights in exchange.

Since then, the 24-year-old has blossomed into a key player under Manuel Pellegrini. This season, he's featured in 27 of Betis' 36 league matches, tallying nine goals and nine assists. He's also impressed in Europe, with four goals and three assists in 12 Europa League appearances, plus a goal and an assist in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona aren't alone in their interest. Premier League sides Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also monitoring Abde closely. But there's a major hurdle for any potential move: Betis have mathematically secured Champions League qualification for next season, a huge boost for both the club and the player.

Abde is under contract until June 2029, with a hefty €60 million release clause. That initial enquiry made it clear that any deal won't come cheap, but for a player with 27 goal contributions this season, Barcelona may see it as a worthwhile investment.