Sergio Busquets begins coaching pathway at Barcelona alongside Egyptian prospect Hamza Abdelkarim

Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets has returned to the club to begin his transition into coaching, rejoining the set-up at La Masia in a move that could pave the way for him to take a place on the bench in the future – and placing him alongside highly rated Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim.

Busquets back at Ciutat Esportiva

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that the former Spain and Barcelona midfielder has been at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex in recent hours, starting a period of shadowing and practical work with the Barcelona Atletic coaching staff.

The arrangement, which has not yet been formalised, is intended as a first step in Busquets’ development as a coach. He is understood to be immersing himself in the day-to-day methods of the club’s second team, observing how training is structured, how the dressing room is managed and how tactical plans are drawn up and implemented.

Although no official coaching role has been confirmed, the intention on both sides appears clear: to help Busquets gain hands-on experience inside the club where he spent the bulk of his playing career.

Building a career on familiar ground

Busquets is believed to see Barcelona as the ideal environment to start his journey on the touchline, returning to the same surroundings in which he grew from academy product to one of the finest holding midfielders of his generation.

He does not yet hold the full coaching licence required to act as a first-team head coach, and is therefore focusing on building his knowledge and completing his qualifications before taking charge of a team in an official capacity.

For now, his work with Barcelona Atletic will centre on learning and observation rather than formal responsibility, but his presence is expected to be felt across the group.

From MLS champion to apprentice coach

This step into coaching comes just seven months after Busquets announced his retirement from professional football in December, ending his career with a Major League Soccer title at Inter Miami.

That triumph in the United States capped an extraordinary playing journey in which Busquets won every major club and international trophy available with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, including the Champions League, La Liga, the World Cup and the European Championship.

His decision to move almost immediately into a learning role at Barcelona underlines his desire to remain in elite football and to apply his on-field intelligence in a new capacity.

From World Cup final stands to La Masia pitches

Busquets was in New Jersey last Sunday to watch Spain win the World Cup final against Argentina, secured by a Ferran Torres goal in extra time.

He then flew straight back to Barcelona to begin his new project at the club’s training base, shifting rapidly from spectator at the highest level of international football to apprentice coach among the next generation of players.

Boost for Barcelona Atletic and Abdelkarim

Inside Barcelona Atletic, Busquets’ presence is expected to provide both a technical and psychological lift for the squad, with young players gaining daily access to one of the most accomplished midfielders in modern football.

Among those set to benefit is promising Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who now has what is described as a rare chance to work closely with a World Cup and Champions League winner.

For Abdelkarim and his team-mates, Busquets’ expertise in positioning, game reading and tactical adaptation is likely to be a central part of the learning process, as the club looks to shape the next wave of talent – and perhaps a future first-team coach – within its own walls.