Barcelona include Egyptian prodigy Hamza Abdelkarim in ‘contingency plan’ this season

Barcelona could hand Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim a bigger role in the first team this season as the Catalan giants continue to face difficulties in their search for a new striker.

According to reports, the 18-year-old has impressed Barcelona’s coaching staff during pre-season, putting himself into consideration for a possible promotion to the senior squad.

Abdelkarim’s performances during the summer have reportedly caught the attention of the club, with his development now being closely monitored as Barcelona assess their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

The Egyptian striker was included in Barcelona’s matchday squad for their La Liga encounter against Elche on Saturday, although he remained an unused substitute throughout the game.

Despite not making his senior debut, his presence on the bench represents another indication of the confidence Barcelona have in the young forward.

Abdelkarim could become an emergency option for Barcelona if the club fails to complete the signing of another established striker before the transfer window closes.

Barcelona had reportedly identified Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as their preferred target, but negotiations have proved extremely difficult.

Atletico are said to have no intention of allowing the Argentina international to leave for Barcelona and have maintained a firm stance regarding his future.

The Madrid club reportedly insists that any potential suitor must meet Alvarez’s €500 million release clause, while Barcelona’s reported €100 million offer was rejected.

The situation has forced Barcelona to consider alternative solutions, with Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez also reportedly on their radar.

However, Inter are similarly reluctant to part ways with their influential forward, further complicating Barcelona’s efforts to strengthen their attack.

As a result, the Catalan club could increasingly look towards its existing squad, with Abdelkarim emerging as one of the options capable of providing cover in the centre-forward position.

The possibility of Abdelkarim being promoted would represent a significant opportunity for the teenager, who could find himself involved with Barcelona’s first team much earlier than expected.

Meanwhile, Alvarez’s situation at Atletico Madrid remains unresolved.

The Argentine reportedly wants to continue his career in Spain, but Barcelona’s difficulties in securing his transfer have left his future uncertain.

Arsenal are also understood to be monitoring the situation and could consider a move for the 26-year-old if the opportunity arises. The Premier League club is reportedly considering a package of around €150 million, although other attacking targets, including Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, are also being considered.

Atletico, meanwhile, need clarity over Alvarez’s future as they attempt to strengthen their own attacking options.

The club is reportedly frustrated with the uncertainty surrounding the striker, while manager Diego Simeone faces a difficult situation with Alexander Sorloth currently injured.

With Barcelona struggling to land their preferred targets, Abdelkarim’s impressive pre-season could therefore earn him a pathway into the senior team.

For the Egyptian teenager, what initially appeared to be a promising pre-season could now develop into a genuine opportunity to compete for a place in one of Europe’s biggest clubs.