Why Barcelona can’t use Hamza Abdelkarim yet? | OneFootball

Administrative issues delay Egyptian striker’s debut

Why Barcelona can’t use Hamza Abdelkarim yet?

Barcelona’s reserve team may not be able to use Hamza Abdelkarim for up to two month due to administrative delays.

Delay after high-profile loan move

Reports from Spain say Barcelona B will not be able to rely on Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim for at least six to eight week.

The 18 year-old joined the Catalan club on loan from Al Ahly until the end of the season, with option to buy.

His arrival attracted strong media attention as he is considered one of the promising young talents in Egypt.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Abdelkarim impressed during his first training sessions raising expectations inside the club.

Coaches impressed, Paperwork the problem

The report states that teammates and coaching staff have been impressed by the young striker’s technical quality. However the main issue is not football-related.

Because Abdelkarim is a non-European Union player, the registration process is taking longer than expected.

These administrative procedures are delaying his official availability for competitive matches.

Internal estimates suggest Barcelona B may have to wait around two month and in the best case scenario about six week before he can play.

Temporary plan with youth team

To avoid losing valuable time, the club could allow Abdelkarim to train or even feature with the youth team where regulations are more flexible.

Such a move would help the striker adapt to Spanish football while waiting for the paperwork to be completed.