The newspaper “Sport” reported today on the situation of Egyptian star Hamza Abdel Karim and the possibility of his permanent promotion to FC Barcelona’s first team this season, following the excellent level he displayed during the pre-season.
Hamza Abdel Karim performed brilliantly during the pre-season. The player was indeed on the bench during Barcelona’s La Liga match against Elche last Saturday, but the 18-year-old did not play a single minute.
Sport reported that Barcelona may turn to Hamza Abdel Karim this season as an emergency plan in the event that they fail to sign a proper striker, given that signing Julián Álvarez is impossible, as Atlético Madrid completely refuses to sell him this summer.
Atlético Madrid does not want to sell Álvarez to Barcelona this summer. The Spanish capital club insists on receiving the release clause in the Argentine international’s contract, which stands at €500 million, to agree to his move to the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, Barcelona submitted an official offer worth €100 million, which was rejected.
The report added that Barcelona has another alternative plan, which is to sign Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez. However, the Nerazzurri do not want to sell the player, which will force the Blaugrana to rely on options within their current squad, including Hamza Abdel Karim.
Read also .. Atlético Madrid sets conditions for selling Álvarez to Arsenal
Sport described Hamza Abdel Karim as possessing all the attributes of a proper striker and being an excellent alternative in the team’s lineup, alongside the presence of Raphinha and Anthony Gordon, who have the ability to play in the striker position, while the dream of signing Álvarez is fading.
Sport discussed the Álvarez deal, noting that the Atlético Madrid management is extremely angry with Barcelona due to the Blaugrana’s negotiation tactics to sign the player. Meanwhile, President Enrique Cerezo confirmed that the Spanish capital club will not consider any offer from Barcelona.
The report clarified that Álvarez is now faced with two options: the first is to endure the suffering of staying at Atlético Madrid for another season, amid the heavy boos the player received last Sunday against Villarreal in La Liga; or to return to England and sign for Arsenal. The 26-year-old’s desire is to continue living in Spain.
On the other hand, Arsenal is still carefully considering the possibility of paying €150 million to sign Álvarez, the price set by the Spanish club to sell the player to the Gunners. Other options are on the English club’s radar, such as Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen.
Sport concluded by explaining that Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone is uncomfortable with Álvarez’s situation, as he is currently the only available striker in the team, with Alexander Sørloth injured. Meanwhile, the Rojiblancos fans cannot forgive the player for announcing his desire to move to Barcelona.
The report ended by stating that Atlético Madrid cannot wait much longer to resolve Álvarez’s situation and needs to sign a proper striker, especially with Sørloth injured.
