Hamza Barry resumes training, may yet leave Hajduk Split

Hamza is arguably Gambia’s best talisman of his generation sourcing goals for the scorpions on a regular basis more than any other player since his U-17 days

Gambian midfielder Hamza Barry is back in training with his Croatian side Hajduk Split even though he may be on the verge of leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer, writes Omar Jatta. . .

The 25-year-old Gambian midfielder, who is a popular figure in the Hajduk dressing room will reportedly leave the Whites this summer after three and half years at the club, and having failed to agree a deal with the club, even though Hajduk are reportedly very keen to keep the all-action midfielder. And as it stands, he is almost practically a free agent and can sign a contract with any other club without them paying compensation, and there are reportedly many clubs hovering around, as they monitor his situation. Clubs may be offering him higher monthly earnings than Hajduk, but it's hard to see how it will all pan out with this Covid-19 uncertainty holding up all footballing activities.

However, he was among the players from the Split-based side, who have resumed training since April 24th, although the sessions are conducted in groups of four players at a time and has to be in accordance with the specific guidelines and rules prescribed by the Croatian authorities, which requires the players to maintain social distancing during sessions. The club also have staff responsible for checking players temperatures on arrival for training.

On Monday, the former GPA star trained with some of the team's midfield players at the club's Poljud Sports complex, where they performed in split sessions, with first two groups of players led by assistant coach Harry Vukas and fitness coach Toni Modric worked out for over an hour at a time, as Hajduk, who are currently 3rd in the league, just two points behind first place Rijeka and one behind Lokomotiva Zagreb in 2nd, look to strengthen their position on table when the second half of the championship resumes on May 30th.

Following consultations with the Croatian health authorities, the Croatian Federation has announced the country's football will resume on May 30th and 31st, with the League Cup semi-finals scheduled for the 6th June. Although the games will be played behind closed doors with no spectators.