Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen make approaches for young Barcelona star

Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen have both approached Barcelona over winger Ez Abde, 90min understands.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Osasuna, helping the club to an impressive seventh-place La Liga finish and a surprise appearance in the Copa del Rey final – a game they would narrowly lose to Real Madrid.

Abde has been welcomed back into the first-team fold at Barcelona, playing a more prominent role for Xavi after the departure of Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain, and came off the bench to play the full second half aganst Getafe on matchday one in La Liga.

Despite his integration into Barcelona’s senior setup, Osasuna president Luis Sabalza has expressed a strong interest in either loaning Abde back or signing him on a permanent basis, though 90min understands that Xavi is reluctant to see him leave.

And sources have further confirmed to 90min that Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen have both made approaches to Barcelona over Abde’s availability, indicating a willingness to offer €20m (£17m) for his services.

Earlier this summer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed Xavi’s intention to make Abde a part of his plans for the 2023/24 season, telling L’Esportiu: “Xavi has told us that he wants him and I am very happy. First for him, because he is a cheeky player and when he was with us he did very well. The loan in Osasuna has gone very well for him in his training, he is young.

“Second, because it connects us with Morocco. Barca is a global club and it is good for us to have a Moroccan player. He is a talented player, who did very well in the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, being the captain. I am very happy to have him in the first team.”

Aston Villa also retain an interest in Abdey concisely summed up her excitement at the news, simply writing: “I’m happier.”

Daly, who was also part of England’s Euros-winning squad last summer, broke her silence on the Lionesses’ World Cup heartbreak earlier this week. Writing on Instagram, Daly said: “This one will hurt for quite some time but my overriding emotion is pride. We gave it our all.’s Barcelona team-mate, Ansu Fati, but he’s keen to fight for his first-team place in Catalonia and has no intention of leaving the club.

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Alisha Lehmann has provided the perfect antidote to teammate Rachel Daly’s World Cup blues by penning a new deal at Aston Villa.

Lehmann, 24, has scored 10 goals in 54 appearances for Villa since joining from West Ham in 2021, and was an integral part of the club’s success in the Women’s Super League [WSL] last term. Carla Ward’s side secured a fifth-place league finish and reached the FA Cup semi-finals, and they will be hoping to carry that impressive form into the upcoming season.

And Lehmann has now committed her long-term future to the club, signing a contract extension that will keep her at Bescot Stadium until 2026 – with the option of an additional year. The Switzerland international shared the news on social media, writing: “Couldn’t be happier to stay! UP THE VILLA.”

Among the replies was a message from Villa striker Daly, who started for the Lionesses in their World Cup Final defeat to Spain on Sunday. Dal

“Every player and staff member in this incredible team gave it absolutely everything. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be but what a journey. We didn’t get the win but being a part of this team is a win in my eyes. We continue to push boundaries, inspire our wonderful nation and next generation and ultimately; make history.

“What a ride it has been, 9 weeks in Australia away from our loved ones and fans but we heard all of you. Thank you for the unwavering support near and far, we appreciate you all. Time for some much needed R&R with family and friends and continue to be the best we can be & strive for more.”