Bartomeu: Hamza Abdelkarim can become Barcelona’s future, while Salah move was difficult

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has backed Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim to play an important role in the club’s future, while explaining why Barcelona did not sign Mohamed Salah during his time in charge.

Abdelkarim scored twice for Barcelona in their friendly against Birmingham City last Friday. The Catalan side eventually lost the match on penalties, but the Egyptian’s performance has increased attention on his prospects with the club.

Speaking to On Sport Max, Bartomeu praised Abdelkarim’s ability and attitude, saying: “Hamza Abdelkarim has great talent, and he is an important player for the club in the future. He also has an outstanding mentality that will help him develop and give his best in the coming period.”

Bartomeu’s comments come as Abdelkarim continues to be given opportunities to demonstrate his ability at Barcelona. The young forward’s promising start has led to hopes that he can develop into one of the key players in the team’s future.

The former Barcelona president was also asked whether the club could have signed Mohamed Salah during his presidency. Bartomeu said the Egypt international was among the best players in the world at the time, but suggested the presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez made a deal difficult to complete.

“When I was president of Barcelona, it was necessary for the club to try to sign the best players in the world. Mohamed Salah was a legendary player, and he produced outstanding performances with Liverpool and achieved many records,” Bartomeu said.

He added: “Mohamed Salah is a different and world-class player. He managed to create his own school at Liverpool, but it was difficult to sign him during that period because of the presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.”

Bartomeu’s explanation places Barcelona’s decision in the context of the attacking options available to the club during his tenure. Messi, Neymar and Suarez formed the team’s forward line, leaving little room for another elite attacker despite Salah’s standing in world football.

Salah’s performances for Liverpool and his record-breaking achievements had made him a player Barcelona would have been expected to consider, according to Bartomeu. However, the former president said the existing attacking trio was a major factor in why the transfer did not happen.

The focus on Abdelkarim reflects a different stage for Barcelona, with the club now assessing the young Egyptian’s potential and continuing to provide him with chances to establish himself. His two goals against Birmingham City have offered an early indication of his qualities, although Barcelona were beaten in the subsequent penalty shootout.

Bartomeu believes Abdelkarim possesses both the talent and mentality required to continue improving. The club will hope those qualities allow him to become a significant part of Barcelona’s plans in the years ahead.