The lack of minutes in the first six weeks of the season for Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim has led to speculation that he could head out on loan in January, but the club have a clear plan on how to handle the 18-year-old’s progression this season.
According to Diario SPORT, Hansi Flick has really liked what he’s seen in training from the preseason top scorer and doesn’t want to part ways, believing that the daily involvement with the first team is beneficial to Hamza’s development despite the lack
of playing time.
Abdelkarim came on in the final seconds against Rayo Vallecano this season in what was his only involvement so far, but the club have already signed him to a new and improved contract with a higher release clause to protect his future at Camp Nou.
Flick has preferred Gabriel Jesus as Raphinha’s backup in the striker spot but wants to get Hamza involved after the international break given how many matches in a short span Barça will play in the next few weeks, and the striker will be part of the rotation strategy once the Blaugrana get back to action.
Barça want to be patient and not put any pressure on a player they clearly believe in, and Hamza also seems content — at least for now — with being involved in training every day and waiting for his chance to come.
