Galatasaray's €45 million backup for Ez Abde as Martinelli stalls

Galatasaray in Estambul has listed Ez Abde as a backup target if its €45 million bid for Gabriel Martinelli falls through, while Spanish side Real Betis insists it will only release the bético forward for an offer near his €60 million release clause.

Galatasaray's €45 million pursuit

The Turkish club has made the signing of Ez Abde a priority should the Arsenal deal for Gabriel Martinelli not materialise. Galatasaray has offered 45 million euros to Arsenal, according to several Turkish media outlets on Friday. FC Barcelona still holds roughly 20 % of Abde’s economic rights, and Arsenal has yet to accept the Turkish proposal. Fanatik, a Turkish outlet, describes Abde as the club’s plan B.

Betis's stance on Abde

Real Betis has made clear it does not intend to part with the bético forward unless an offer approaches the 60 million euros stipulated in his release clause. The club has not received any concrete approach from Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Abde is in the final phase of recovery after an injury sustained with Morocco that kept him out of the World Cup, and he missed the pre‑season friendly in Bari against Inter.

Betis's other transfer activity

Galatasaray chase €45m Leao move as Turkish rivals watch

In a separate move, Betis announced the free transfer of Pablo Busto, a 20‑year‑old from its B team, to UD Ibiza on a two‑season contract. Betis retains 35 % of the right‑back’s future economic rights. Busto debuted under Manuel Pellegrini and made two LaLiga appearances in the 2023‑24 season, with his contract running until June 2027.

Update and source details

El bético Abde celebra un gol en AnoetaGetty ImagesJordi Santamaría. The information was Actualizado el 14/08/2026 20:16 CEST, citing Turkish media reports from Friday. The article notes that Galatasaray’s interest hinges on the outcome of the Arsenal negotiation.

Contrast and outlook

The juxtaposition shows Galatasaray ready to pivot to a €45 million fallback while Betis holds a higher €60 million price tag, reflecting differing valuation strategies. Future developments will depend on Arsenal’s response and Abde’s full return to fitness.