Barcelona sporting director Deco has left open the possibility of a further attacking signing in the final days of the transfer window, a development that could make it harder for Hamza Abdelkarim to secure a regular first-team opportunity.
Deco discussed Barcelona’s transfer plans after the club’s 2-1 victory over Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday evening. The friendly was the latest fixture in the club’s preparations for the new season.
Asked about the attacking options available to manager Hansi Flick, Deco gave the clearest indication yet that Barcelona could return to the market, despite already having internal solutions within the squad.
“We have signed players in the forward line. The absence of Lewandowski is difficult to replace, while Ferran’s absence has been covered by Gordon and Adeyemi,” Deco said, as reported by Marca.
He added: “We have internal solutions, but I think we will make some move. There is a lot of noise, but we continue working.”
The comments suggest Barcelona could make another attempt to bring in a forward before the transfer window closes. Deco’s acknowledgement that replacing Robert Lewandowski’s contribution would be difficult underlines the club’s desire to maintain strength in attack.
Barcelona have been linked with Julian Alvarez, the Atletico de Madrid forward, although the Madrid club remain determined to keep their star player.
Any further arrival would represent a setback for the ambitions of Hamza Abdelkarim, the promising Egyptian forward who plays for Barcelona Atletic. Abdelkarim is hoping to be given a starting opportunity with the senior Barcelona team during the new season.
The 19-year-old strengthened his case during the club’s pre-season friendlies. He also impressed against his former side Al Ahly on Wednesday, scoring an excellent goal from a cross delivered by Alejandro Balde.
That performance came at a significant moment for Abdelkarim, who is attempting to move closer to first-team involvement. However, Deco’s suggestion that Barcelona may still recruit in attack indicates that competition for places could become even stronger.
Deco was also asked about the registration of new signings. He expressed confidence that Barcelona would complete the necessary procedures without major difficulty and said the club had created a sporting project capable of attracting players.
“We will not struggle to register the players,” he said.
“One of the good things we have achieved is that all the players wanted to come here because they saw that we have a winning project. This excites players who want to enter history.”
Barcelona’s sporting director therefore presented the club as confident both in its ability to register additions and in the appeal of its long-term plans. At the same time, his comments left open the prospect of further transfer activity, with the attack still an area under consideration.
For Abdelkarim, the next few days could be decisive. His impressive displays, including his goal against Al Ahly, have increased attention around his first-team prospects, but another senior forward would provide additional competition for a place in Barcelona’s starting line-up.
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