BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 19: Hamza Abdelkarim of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
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Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has offered youngsters Hamza Abdelkarim and Brian Farinas hope of first-team chances after admitting he’s been really impressed by both players.
The two youngsters have been with the first-team squad in pre-season and seem to be in Flick’s plans for the future.
Abdelkarim is expected to be handed a renewed contract with an increased release clause shortly, and Flick says he wants to give him some chances.
“It’s not always easy to give opportunities to deserving players like him,” he told a press conference.
“He had a great preseason and he’s improving every day in training. He scores goals, has a good attitude and a good mentality. He deserves to play and we want to give him opportunities to show his quality.”
Flick also admitted that he’s been surprised by Farinas and says he also deserves a chance in the first team.
“Rodri has had some issues these past few days, but he’s improved and could start, but we’ll decide tomorrow. As for Brian, he surprised me in preseason,” he added.
“He’s a great talent, very committed, and can play in several positions. It’s fantastic to see how much he’s improved. It’s not easy for him because there are fantastic players in his position, but he deserves to play.”
Both Abdelkarim and Farinas may have to be patient this season but let’s hope they do get some opportunities to show what they can do in the coming campaign.