Barcelona had a busy January transfer window, although the first team made no new signings. The only departures were Marc-André ter Stegen, who went on loan to Girona, and the surprise sale of Pedro Fernández to Paris Saint-Germain for around €8 million. The reserve team, however, saw significant changes, with the departures of players such as Mamadou M’Baye, Marcos Parejo, Adrián Gil, and Dani Rodríguez, among others, including Andrés Cuenca, who is expected to join Italian club Como.
In addition, the team suffered from significant injuries, most notably to Juliano Belletti, which impacted the reserve team’s chances of promotion to La Liga. However, Joan Laporta’s administration took steps to compensate for these absences, initiating three important deals that are now in advanced stages.
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Hamza Abdelkarim: The Egyptian Newcomer Who Sparks Controversy
The most prominent of these deals is that of young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, arriving from the African market, who has recently been compared to a legend like Mohamed Salah. The 18-year-old will begin his career with the reserve team, with an option to buy for around €3 million, gradually gaining experience in the Spanish Second Division (Segunda RFE). He is expected to help solve the attacking problems that Barcelona Athletic has suffered throughout the season.
Strengthening the Defense and Youth
In addition, the club is finalizing the signing of young Belgian defender Jovensley Onstein from Genk, replacing Cuenca, who decided to move to Italy after limited playing time with the first team. The player is considered one of the most promising defenders in Europe and is left-footed, which will strengthen the reserve team first and then gradually the first team.
Ajay Tavares: A Future Talent from England
Finally, Barcelona is close to signing Ajay Tavares, a promising talent from Norwich City, born in 2009, to join the youth team before gradually progressing to the reserve team under Belletti. This reflects the club’s strategy of long-term investment in young talent.
With these moves, it appears that Barcelona is planning a complete overhaul of the reserve team and a strengthening of the first team in preparation for next season, focusing on promising young players and strategically compensating for previous absences.
