Barcelona weigh reserve-team move for Hamza Abdelkarim as first-team minutes remain limited

Barcelona are considering sending Hamza Abdelkarim to their reserve side because of concern over the young forward’s lack of first-team playing time, according to Sport.

The club believes Abdelkarim needs to play regularly to maintain his match fitness and is examining whether he could gain more valuable minutes with Barcelona Atletic. The possibility is being discussed despite manager Hansi Flick’s positive impression of the player’s performances in training.

Abdelkarim is understood to be fully comfortable with the idea of playing for Barcelona’s reserve team if it gives him a greater opportunity to feature in competitive matches.

The former Al Ahly striker has found it difficult to break into the Barcelona first team because of competition for places from Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus, Anthony Gordon and Dani Olmo.

Even with Raphinha unavailable through injury, Abdelkarim was given only eight minutes against Getafe, coming on as a substitute for Jesus. He then remained on the bench for Barcelona’s match against Galatasaray.

His total playing time for the first team stands at 12 minutes from the opening 10 matches of the season. He has not played for the reserve side at any point since the campaign began, instead remaining with the senior squad throughout.

Abdelkarim has already addressed reserve-team possibility

When he renewed his contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2030, Abdelkarim told the media that he would not feel embarrassed or believe his status had been reduced if he had to play for the club’s reserve team.

The forward said at the time that his main priority was to play matches, regardless of whether those appearances came for Barcelona, Barcelona Atletic or the Egypt national team.

Sport reports that Barcelona’s management views that attitude positively. The club believes not every player has the same mentality, with some seeing reserve-team football as a possible obstacle to their development.

Flick is unable to offer Abdelkarim many opportunities at present, but the manager continues to consider him as part of his plans. According to the report, one of Barcelona’s strengths is the ability to call on a strong bench and players capable of replacing those who are unavailable.

The potential move to the reserve team would therefore be intended to provide Abdelkarim with regular competitive football while keeping him involved in the club’s wider first-team plans.