A tenfold show of faith: Why Deco and Hansi Flick refused to loan out Hamza Abdelkarim?

FC Barcelona rejected multiple loan proposals for Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim during the summer transfer window after manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco insisted on keeping him with the first-team squad according to Spanish sports daily AS.

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Why Flick & Deco blocked the exit

Despite incoming interest from several suitors, Barcelona’s leadership decided against sanctioning a temporary departure for the 18 year old.

According to AS, the club identified two primary reasons for retaining the forward. First, club officials believe Abdelkarim is in an essential developmental stage where daily training under Flick and alongside senior players will provide the ideal environment to complete his transition to elite European football.

Second, both Flick and Deco are convinced that Abdelkarim offers a tactical profile absent from the current senior setup. Although Barcelona secured the signing of Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, the technical staff view the former Arsenal man as having entirely different attributes.

Flick recently described Abdelkarim as a "number 9 for the future" identifying him as an authentic penalty box finisher capable of breaking down stubborn defensive blocks when clear cut chances are at a premium.

Contract extension and a tenfold clause increase

Barcelona formalised their long-term faith in the Egyptian striker on Friday by officially extending his contract through to June 2030. Reflecting their commitment to warding off potential suitors, the club also raised his buyout clause tenfold increasing it from €15 million to €150 million.

Abdelkarim initially arrived in Catalonia on February 1 from Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC. Following an impressive spell with the Juvenil side, during which he netted six goals in nine league matches, Barcelona decisively triggered their purchase option to secure his registration on a permanent basis.

Tactical role and progression

While Abdelkarim has demonstrated exceptional composure and finishing instincts inside the 18 yard box, the technical staff recognize that other facets of his game still require refinement. His off the ball movement, defensive pressing responsibilities and involvement in general build up play outside the area remain areas targeted for growth.

However, keeping him in Barcelona allows Flick to personally mould his tactical discipline while providing the team with an instinctive goal poacher off the bench.

Abdelkarim will participate in an official contract signing ceremony on Tuesday alongside club president Joan Laporta.

Once the formal formalities are concluded, the 18 year old will concentrate fully on his first-team duties looking to earn senior competitive minutes as Barcelona navigate a congested domestic and European calendar.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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