Hamza Abdelkarim's father settles the debate.. The truth about Barcelona's Egyptian talent leaving for Italian side Como in January

Mohamed Abdelkarim, father of Barcelona's Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, has firmly denied reports linking his son with a January move to Italian side Como, contradicting claims that the 18 year old is considering leaving the Catalan club.

The denial follows a Spanish report suggesting that Como coach Cesc Fabregas was interested in signing the former Al Ahly forward who has struggled for regular first team opportunities under Hansi Flick.

However, Abdelkarim's family insists that the player has no plans to leave Barcelona during the upcoming winter transfer window.

The contradiction is particularly significant because the original reports went beyond suggesting interest from Como, claiming that the Egyptian himself was considering a departure.

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Where did the Como transfer story originate?

On 11 November, Spanish outlet El Nacional reported that Fàbregas had identified Abdelkarim as a potential January target.

The report suggested that limited playing time at Barcelona had left the striker frustrated and that a move to Como could provide more opportunities in Serie A.

The claims subsequently circulated through international transfer coverage, including Foot Africa's report on Como's interest.

But on Friday 13 November, the player's father challenged that account.

Speaking to Eram News, in comments subsequently carried by Mundo Deportivo, Mohamed Abdelkarim described the reports about his son's departure and proposed transfer to Como as an invention.

A further development followed on Saturday.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that people close to Abdelkarim had denied negotiations with Como and confirmed that the player had no intention of leaving Barcelona in January.

Twelve minutes in La Liga.. Why did the rumours emerge?

The speculation reflects the contrast between Abdelkarim's promising start at Barcelona and his limited competitive opportunities.

The Egyptian scored four goals during pre season, finishing as Barcelona's leading scorer over the summer.

However, he has made just two substitute appearances in La Liga this season, totalling 12 minutes.

Those figures help explain why a temporary move attracted media attention.

Yet Barcelona have also demonstrated their long term commitment to the striker.

In September, the club extended Abdelkarim's contract until June 2030, increasing his reported release clause from €15 million to €150 million.

The agreement underlines Barcelona's investment in his development, although a long-term contract does not automatically rule out a future loan.

Interest, negotiations or departure.. What is actually confirmed?

The distinction between the competing reports is important.

El Nacional reported interest from Como and suggested Abdelkarim was considering leaving. His father has denied the departure narrative while Romano's latest update specifically rejects the existence of negotiations.

Neither club has publicly announced an agreement or confirmed an official offer.

For now, the evidence supports Abdelkarim's intention to remain at Barcelona rather than an imminent move to Italy.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

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

Related teams and leagues

Barcelona

Como

Egypt