Barcelona map long-term plan for Hamza Abdelkarim

​Barcelona has finally received the green light for young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim to begin training with the club after weeks of waiting for his work permit to be processed.

The 18-year-old has now taken part in his first session at the Joan Gamper training complex, marking the real start of his journey in Spain.

For now, Abdelkarim will join the Juvenil A under-19 side under coach Pol Planas, in what is seen as a carefully designed step to shield him from early pressure and intense media attention. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has denied reports linking him with an immediate role in the first team or even Barcelona Atletic, insisting those claims are premature.

The club’s current plan focuses on keeping him away from the spotlight while he adapts to La Masia’s style and builds up competitive fitness. There is a small possibility he could get limited minutes with the reserves in a special occasion such as the Catalan Cup final, but that is not part of the core expectations at this stage.

Abdelkarim, the first Egyptian ever to join Barcelona, is regarded as a highly promising talent, yet the club prefer patience and a gradual pathway as they shape his future.