Tottenham Hotspur’s summer rebuild could be about to take an intriguing turn, with Sport reporting that Spurs have made contact with Real Betis over a potential move for Abde Ezzalzouli.
The Morocco international has already been heavily linked with Newcastle United, who are assessing attacking options after Anthony Gordon’s reported move to Barcelona in a deal worth around £70m. Yet Tottenham’s interest adds a fresh layer of urgency to the situation, especially with Roberto De Zerbi now attempting to reshape a squad that came too close to disaster last season.
Spurs Target Forward Reinforcement
Tottenham’s 2025/26 campaign ended with relief rather than celebration, after a 1-0 win over Everton helped them narrowly avoid relegation on the final day. De Zerbi’s arrival with seven matches remaining did improve the mood and performances, but the scale of the task remains obvious.
A new forward is among the priorities, and Ezzalzouli would bring pace, directness and unpredictability. The 24-year-old has been described as a ‘superstar’, and while that label brings expectation, his profile does fit what Spurs currently lack.
He is comfortable attacking defenders, can operate from wide areas and has the kind of dynamism that could give Tottenham a more dangerous edge in transition and sustained attacking phases.
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Real Betis Pressure Could Open Door
Betis’ financial situation may prove decisive. Sport report that the Spanish club need to raise funds before June 30th, despite qualifying for the Champions League. That creates a difficult balancing act for Manuel Pellegrini, who is understood to be keen to keep Ezzalzouli for next season.
However, an exit now appears increasingly possible. His release clause is set at €60m, around £52m, which is a sizeable figure but not outlandish in the current Premier League market. For Tottenham, the appeal is clear. This is a player approaching his prime, with international pedigree and further growth potential.
Newcastle Battle Adds Transfer Intrigue
Newcastle’s interest should not be underestimated. They have a clear attacking vacancy and Champions League ambitions of their own. Yet Tottenham’s move to make contact suggests they are not merely monitoring the market, they are actively testing whether this deal can be done.
Ezzalzouli is also expected to play a major role for Morocco at the World Cup, and Betis may believe his value could rise further on that stage. That factor may force interested clubs to move quickly rather than wait for the tournament to reshape the market.
De Zerbi Project Needs Energy
For De Zerbi, this is the type of signing that could help define the next phase of Tottenham’s rebuild. Spurs need more than squad depth. They need players who can change the rhythm of matches, unsettle low blocks and make the team more aggressive in wide areas.
Ezzalzouli would not solve everything, but he would represent ambition, upside and tactical fit. After a season of anxiety, Tottenham supporters need evidence that the club are prepared to act decisively. Making contact with Betis is only an early step, but it is a significant one.
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From a Tottenham perspective, this is exactly the kind of rumour that gets the pulse racing. After the stress of last season, Spurs need signings that feel bold, exciting and properly aligned with what De Zerbi wants to build.
Ezzalzouli ticks so many boxes. He is quick, brave on the ball and has that street football spark that can lift a stadium. Tottenham have had too many games where the attack has looked predictable, slow or far too easy to defend against. A player like this gives you chaos, and sometimes chaos is exactly what a team needs.
The Newcastle angle makes it even better. If Spurs can genuinely step in and hijack a deal from a direct Premier League rival, that sends a message. It says Tottenham are not prepared to drift, not prepared to act like last season was acceptable, and not prepared to sit quietly while others strengthen.
Yes, £52m is serious money. But this squad needs serious investment. De Zerbi needs players who can run, press, take risks and hurt opponents. Ezzalzouli feels like one of those signings fans would immediately connect with. After a year of nerves, this would feel like ambition returning.
