Barcelona’s late transfer plans could limit Hamza Abdelkarim’s first-team opportunity

Barcelona sporting director Deco has left open the possibility of a late attacking signing, a development that could make it harder for promising forward Hamza Abdelkarim to secure a regular first-team role this season.

Deco discussed the club’s transfer plans after Barcelona beat Al Ahly 2-1 in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday evening. Although Barcelona already have internal options in attack, he suggested the club could still return to the market before the transfer window closes.

“We have signed players in the forward line. Robert Lewandowski’s absence is difficult to replace, while Ferran’s absence has been covered by Gordon and Adeyemi,” Deco said, as reported by Marca.

He added: “We have internal solutions, but I believe we will make some move. There is a lot of noise, but we continue working.”

Those comments indicate that Barcelona may try to complete another attacking deal in the final days of the transfer window. Deco’s admission that replacing the role performed by Lewandowski would be particularly difficult could encourage the club to pursue an experienced forward.

Barcelona have been linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, although the Madrid club remain determined to keep their leading forward.

Any further addition would represent a setback for Abdelkarim, the Egyptian striker who plays for Barca Atletic and hopes to establish himself as a first-team starter during the new season.

The 19-year-old has impressed during Barcelona’s pre-season friendlies. His latest standout performance came against his former club Al Ahly on Wednesday, when he scored an excellent goal from a cross delivered by Alejandro Balde.

Abdelkarim’s display came on a significant occasion, as Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over the Egyptian side in the Joan Gamper Trophy. His performances during the build-up to the campaign had raised hopes that he might be given a greater opportunity with the senior team.

Deco confident over player registrations

Deco also addressed Barcelona’s ability to register new signings and said he was confident the club would complete the process without major difficulty.

“We will not suffer to register the players,” he said.

The sporting director argued that Barcelona had built a sporting project capable of attracting high-profile players, despite the issues the club have faced in recent transfer windows.

“One of the good things we have achieved is that all the players wanted to come here because they saw that we have a winning project, and this excites the players who want to make history,” Deco added.

His remarks suggest Barcelona believe their sporting vision remains a significant advantage in the transfer market. However, a late move for another striker would increase competition for places and make Abdelkarim’s route into the starting XI more demanding, despite his encouraging pre-season form.