Hamza Abdelkarim emerges as Barcelona’s latest striking option for Hansi Flick

Hamza Abdelkarim has strengthened his case for a place in Barcelona’s first-team squad after impressing Hansi Flick during pre-season and scoring from the penalty spot against Birmingham City in England.

The Egypt Under-? No, don’t add. The Egyptian forward has attracted the Barcelona manager’s attention with a series of composed performances in friendly matches, capped by his first goal of the summer in the meeting with Birmingham City.

Abdelkarim started Barcelona’s opening two friendlies of the pre-season, against Europa and Birmingham City, a level of trust that has been given to only a small number of the club’s young players. Barcelona won the match against Europa 4-1.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Abdelkarim is currently among the most impressive youngsters training under German manager Flick. His performances have increased his prospects of challenging for a regular place in the Barcelona attack, although decisions over the squad will be made later.

Penalty reward for lively display

Against Birmingham City, Abdelkarim demonstrated the qualities expected of a central striker. He was effective with his back to goal, protected possession under pressure and showed the willingness to run at defenders when facing the goal.

His pace and movement were particularly noticeable during the first half. The Egyptian forward repeatedly made himself available, moved intelligently inside the penalty area and worked to create opportunities rather than remaining static.

That approach earned him a penalty after he anticipated the movement of his marker. Abdelkarim accepted responsibility for the kick and sent a powerful left-footed effort beyond Birmingham City goalkeeper James Beadle.

It was his first goal in Barcelona’s friendly matches this summer and added an important moment of end product to an otherwise energetic performance.

The teenager also showed the competitive edge demanded by Flick. He committed three of Barcelona’s six fouls in the first half and was booked for the third of them, highlighting the intensity with which he pressed and challenged opponents.

Despite the yellow card, his overall display was regarded as “very convincing”. He offered the attacking presence, personality and determination Barcelona’s coaching staff are looking for from a player leading the line.

Battle for the number nine position

Abdelkarim joined Barcelona from Egyptian club Al Ahly last winter and is making the most of every opportunity to establish himself. His progress comes as Barcelona consider signing an established central striker during the summer transfer window.

That potential arrival would create a demanding rival for Abdelkarim, with competition for the position expected to be intense. The final decisions on the make-up of the squad will come later, and the Egyptian forward still has to maintain his level throughout the remainder of pre-season.

However, his starts against Europa and Birmingham City, together with his penalty and all-round contribution, have given him strong reasons to remain under close observation from Flick.

For now, Abdelkarim is competing not only to stay involved with the first-team group but also to earn a permanent role in Barcelona’s senior side.