Barcelona 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.