Barcelona’s young Egyptian forward, Hamza Abdel Karim, has found himself with two different squad numbers as the new season gets underway. The 18-year-old was initially listed with the first team wearing the No. 29 shirt, but the club’s reserve side, Barcelona Atletic, has now assigned him the No. 19 jersey for their campaign. This dual registration has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
Why Two Numbers?
The explanation lies in Barcelona’s strategic approach to Abdel Karim’s development. While the club has included him in the first-team squad list, they have also kept him on the books of Barcelona Atletic. This allows the young striker to gain competitive minutes with the reserve team while remaining available for first-team duties when needed. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the club is committed to this plan for the current season, ensuring Abdel Karim maintains a steady rhythm of match play without being overburdened.
First-Team Debut and Preseason Impact
Abdel Karim made his official debut for Barcelona’s senior side during a recent La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. Coming on as a substitute for Brazilian winger Raphinha in the 86th minute, he helped his team secure a convincing 5-2 victory at Spotify Camp Nou. His inclusion in the matchday squad was no surprise, given his impressive performances during the preseason. The Egyptian forward topped Barcelona’s scoring charts in friendly fixtures, which solidified his place in coach Hansi Flick’s plans.
Permanent Move and Background
Barcelona activated a purchase clause in June to make Abdel Karim’s transfer from Egyptian club Al Hilal permanent. He had initially joined the Catalan side during the winter transfer window and spent the latter part of the previous season with the B team. His rapid adaptation and standout displays quickly caught the attention of the coaching staff, leading to his promotion to the first-team setup.
What Lies Ahead
Despite speculation about his full integration into the first team, Barcelona’s decision to keep Abdel Karim with the reserve squad for now reflects a long-term vision. The club aims to nurture his talent gradually, allowing him to develop through regular game time. For the young forward, this arrangement offers the best of both worlds: the chance to train and occasionally play with the senior squad while honing his skills in competitive matches with Barcelona Atletic. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how often he dons the No. 29 shirt for the first team versus the No. 19 for the reserves.