Barcelona coach Hansi Flick promotes youth players, leaves out Hamza Abdelkarim
Hansi Flick has promoted Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes to Barcelona's first team, while Hamza Abdelkarim will continue his development with the reserves.
Key Takeaways
AIGerman coach Hansi Flick has promoted two La Masia academy talents to Barcelona's first team for the upcoming season, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.
The report revealed that Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes will join the La Liga champions' squad, after both made appearances with the first team last season.
Espart has earned significant trust from the coaching staff, having played seven matches at right-back, while Cortes aims to prove himself in central defense despite strong competition for the position.
Hamza Abdelkarim's status
As for promising Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, Flick has decided not to rush his promotion to the first team, preferring that he continue his development with the reserves next season.
Hamza scored twice in his first-team debut under Flick in a friendly against Birmingham City, earning high praise from the Spanish press.
The door remains open for the 18-year-old to feature for the first team next season, especially in the Copa del Rey, as the coaching staff will continue to closely monitor his progress.