🚨Breaking:  Liverpool May Have Won the Battle… But Newcastle Have Found an Even Bigger Upgrade

There can be no escaping it, Newcastle United have once again had a top transfer target swept from under their noses.

Liverpool are the culprits once again, but as the dust has now settled on the Victor Munoz saga, the Magpies need to respond decisively, cutting through the fanbase’s anxiety that this could become another frustrating summer transfer window.

Newcastle were in advanced talks for Osasuna’s 22-year-old winger, whose profile suggested he would have been an ideal addition to Eddie Howe’s attacking options. Former Newcastle United scout Paul Montgomery expressed his disappointment over the club’s naïveté in the recruitment department, but there is still plenty of time for Howe and technical director Ross Wilson to put things right.

Newcastle open talks to sign Munoz upgrade

Last summer at St James’ Park, the technical director’s seat was vacant. Now, Wilson is working alongside Howe, and supporters expect that partnership to be reflected in a sharper and more effective transfer strategy.

We’re still waiting to see the results, and while the potential sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur—or another interested club—remains an issue that must be addressed, strengthening the attack and easing supporters’ concerns has become the club’s immediate priority.

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle have now reopened talks with Real Betis over a move for Abde Ezzalzouli, better known as Ez Abde.

Negotiations for Munoz had previously progressed further than Newcastle’s interest in the Moroccan international, but the door was never completely closed and has now swung open once again.

Valued at around £51 million, Ez Abde would not come cheaply, but he possesses all the qualities to justify such an investment, with the Moroccan potentially proving to be an even better option than Munoz.

Why Ez Abde could be a Victor Munoz upgrade at Newcastle

Ez Abde’s direct, explosive and physical style looks tailor-made for life at Newcastle, with those qualities potentially making him an even stronger fit than Munoz.

At their best under Howe, Newcastle thrive on intensity, athleticism and attacking power. While Howe has shown tactical flexibility, some frustrated supporters felt the Magpies lacked solutions to the problems that derailed their 2025/26 campaign.

Ez Abde could slot straight into that system. He scored 10 goals and provided eight assists for Real Betis last season, playing a key role in helping the Andalusian club secure Champions League football. He may even possess a higher ceiling than Munoz.

Both players are among the most underrated wingers in Spanish football, blessed with explosive pace, excellent dribbling ability and the confidence to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. Newcastle need greater end product in the final third, however, and Ez Abde appears capable of providing exactly that.

Munoz is an exciting young talent with enormous potential, but based on their respective campaigns, it is difficult to argue that he currently offers more than the Betis winger.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has described Ez Abde as “relentless” with the ball at his feet, even comparing his playing style to Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Moreover, Ez Abde contributes defensively, offering more by way of protection and physical commitment without sacrificing his attacking threat. That balance is a perfect illustration of his overall quality.

The Moroccan is the real deal and was only absent from his country’s World Cup squad after suffering an unfortunate injury during a warm-up match against Norway earlier this month, a game in which he also registered an assist.

Anthony Gordon endured an inconsistent campaign in the final third but still managed 17 goals across all competitions, often stepping up when Alexander Isak lacked support from those around him.

Now, Ez Abde could be the ideal solution on Newcastle’s left flank, helping the Magpies move on from the disappointment of missing out on Munoz and giving supporters renewed optimism ahead of a crucial campaign.This version improves the grammar, flow and readability while keeping the original tone and argument intact.