Hamza Abdelkarim's Barcelona Atlètic Debut Uncertain Amid Bureaucratic Hurdles

Spain - Ekhbary News Agency

Hamza Abdelkarim's Barcelona Atlètic Debut Uncertain Amid Bureaucratic Hurdles

The arrival of young Egyptian talent Hamza Abdelkarim at Barcelona Atlètic has generated significant media buzz, particularly in his home country of Egypt. Much like in Catalonia, the pressing question on everyone's mind is: when will the 18-year-old striker, signed on February 1st, finally make his official debut under the guidance of manager Juliano Belletti? While Abdelkarim has been actively participating in training sessions since his incorporation was announced, the wheels of bureaucracy continue to turn slowly, delaying his on-field presence.

Currently, Abdelkarim is awaiting the crucial work permit that will allow him to officially play for Barça Atlètic. Officials at the Ciutat Esportiva, the club's training complex, have indicated that there is no precise timeline for when this administrative 'okay' will be granted. They stress that it's not a matter of weeks or even a couple of months, as the process is not a simple "mathematical" calculation. FC Barcelona finds itself in a position where it can only wait for the relevant documentation process to be resolved, making it impossible to set any firm deadlines for the player's debut.

In the interim, Abdelkarim is training normally under Belletti's watchful eye. The young Egyptian forward arrived in Barcelona in excellent physical condition and has reportedly made a strong initial impression during training sessions. His situation mirrors that of other recent acquisitions for Barça Atlètic's future projects. Two other signings from the winter transfer window, Patricio Pacífico and Juwensley Onstein, have also yet to make their debuts. Pacífico is currently completing his rehabilitation from a minor muscular issue, while Onstein is undergoing a gradual readaptation process following a significant period of inactivity.

Abdelkarim's promise is evident from the limited training sessions he has participated in. This is not an isolated incident of bureaucratic delays impacting African players joining the Catalan club's reserve team. Similar situations have arisen previously with players like Mamadou Mbacke and Mikayil Faye. Mbacke, who departed the club during the recent transfer window, arrived in the summer of 2023 but didn't feature in a matchday squad until November of that year. Faye, on the other hand, had to travel back to Senegal to expedite his paperwork, meaning he was unavailable from the outset.

The short-term plan for Abdelkarim's integration was to bolster Barça Atlètic's attacking options, which have been severely limited by injuries. Manager Belletti has faced a depleted squad in the number nine position. Óscar Gistau, recently recovered from an injury, is now facing another three months on the sidelines. Víctor Barberá, another key striker at the start of the season, underwent surgery in late October for a tear in his rectus femoris muscle, with an estimated recovery period of five months. Adding to the attacking reinforcements, the club signed Joaquín Delgado in January, who was the top scorer in the Segunda Federación (Fourth Tier of Spanish Football).

The ongoing delay highlights a recurring challenge for Spanish clubs signing young talent, particularly from Africa. While Abdelkarim's potential is clear, the administrative hurdles pose a significant obstacle. The club's strategy of investing in young talent is commendable, but the efficiency of the bureaucratic processes remains a critical factor in realizing the full potential of these signings. This situation underscores the need for streamlined procedures to ensure that promising players can contribute to their teams without undue delay, benefiting both the players and the clubs.

Ekhbary News Agency