Romano: Hamza Abdel Karim has no plans to leave Barcelona for Como

Fabrizio Romano says there are no negotiations for Hamza Abdel Karim to join Como from Barcelona, with the 18-year-old Egypt striker not intending to leave the Catalan club during the January transfer window.

Speculation had suggested Abdel Karim could move to the Italian side on loan in search of more regular first-team football. However, Romano wrote on X that people close to the player had denied the existence of talks with Como.

“People close to Hamza Abdel Karim have denied the existence of negotiations with Como,” Romano said.

He added: “People close to Hamza Abdel Karim have confirmed that there is no intention to leave Barcelona during the January transfer window.”

Abdel Karim’s father, Mohamed Abdel Karim, also rejected reports linking his son with a winter move to Como, who are managed by former Barcelona player Cesc Fabregas.

“What is being said about Hamza Abdel Karim leaving Barcelona is not true, and the rumours about his move to Italian club Como are fabricated,” Mohamed Abdel Karim told Erem News.

Barcelona recently extended Abdel Karim’s contract until the summer of 2030 and, according to Tribuna, do not currently plan to let him depart in January. The expectation is that the forward will remain with the club at least until next summer.

The Egypt international has made two La Liga appearances this season, both from the substitutes’ bench, totalling only 12 minutes. His limited involvement with the first team had prompted speculation that Barcelona might send him out on loan, with Como among the clubs reported to be interested.

Despite his lack of regular playing time, Barcelona are said to be pleased with the youngster’s progress and want him to continue developing within the club’s environment. The current plan is for him to train with Hansi Flick’s team while gaining match experience with Barcelona’s reserve or youth sides when required, including in the UEFA Youth League.

Flick could also give Abdel Karim opportunities in the first team when he chooses to rest some of his established players. Barcelona want the forward to become fully accustomed to the club’s footballing philosophy and culture before deciding whether to loan him out or give him a bigger role next season.

Como have developed a reputation for offering opportunities to promising young players, including Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon, under Spanish manager Fabregas.

The club are fifth in Serie A with 23 points after 11 matches and have also made a strong start in Europe. Como sit fourth in the UEFA Champions League table with nine points from three wins and one defeat.