How Hamza Abdelkarim helped Barcelona turn down Real Madrid-bound Carlos Espe

Carlos Espe has already rescued Real Madrid twice in La Liga this season, scoring the winning goal against Espanyol on the opening weekend before repeating the feat against Elche.

But the 21-year-old forward, who joined Real Madrid this summer, could have been wearing Barcelona’s colours had the Catalan club chosen to pursue a deal, according to Foot Mercato, citing Cadena SER.

Espe was offered to Barcelona during the summer transfer window after an impressive season with Levante. However, the club decided against paying €25m for a player who was not expected to be a regular starter.

Barcelona also considered other options that were viewed as a better fit for the playing style of manager Hansi Flick.

Journalist Sique Rodriguez said Espe had been presented to Barcelona after his outstanding campaign with Levante.

“His agent offered him to Barcelona, but after assessing that he was a very good player, the club decided not to complete the deal because it did not want to pay €25m for a forward who would not be a starter and would not receive many minutes,” Rodriguez said.

Barcelona’s alternative was Hamza Abdelkarim, who has recently renewed his contract with the club until 2030.

The Egyptian forward is regarded as matching the profile of a young striker who is capable of finishing chances.

Jofre Mateu, the former Barcelona player, discussed the decision on Cadena SER and said he understood why Espe had been presented to the club.

“I understand that Espe was offered to Barcelona and that, after the end of last season, he ended up at a club better than Levante, with all due respect and affection,” Mateu said.

However, he believed Barcelona had been right to seek a different type of player because of the club’s footballing philosophy and the characteristics of its squad.

“But I think Barcelona were right to look for other qualities because of their playing philosophy and the characteristics of the players,” he added.

“You had already committed to a young player who did not have the same characteristics. If you had backed Hamza at that time, why would you go and sign another player?”

Abdelkarim’s contract extension provided Barcelona with a long-term option in attack, while Espe’s early impact at Real Madrid has given the club two decisive victories in La Liga this season.