Laporta confirms Barcelona’s plans for ‘cheeky’ Ez Abde after loan return

Photo By Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press via Getty ImagesBarcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Xavi wants Ez Abde in his first team next season and will give the youngster the chance to impress.

Abde is set to return for pre-season next week after captaining Morocco’s Under-23 side to AFCON glory.

There had been speculation that Barca could look to sell Abde, following a bright season on loan, but Laporta says the plan is for him to stay.

“The idea is for him to be in the first team. 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 stage in Osasuna has gone very well for him in his…