Barcelona draw up late striker contingency with Hamza Abdelkarim

Barcelona are preparing for the possibility of ending the summer transfer window without signing a new striker, with Hamza Abdelkarim emerging as a last-resort option for Hansi Flick.

The Catalan club’s preferred plans have become increasingly difficult, with a deal for Julian Alvarez proving particularly complicated and Lautaro Martinez also considered a difficult target. As time runs out in the window, Barcelona are therefore reviewing the attacking options already available to Flick.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona remain focused on finding an established centre-forward. However, if all attempts to recruit a new player fail, Flick will have to make use of the squad he already has.

Raphinha is currently considered the leading internal solution. The Brazil international operated as a central striker during Barcelona’s match against Elche and produced a positive performance in the role, showing he can provide an alternative in the middle of the attack when required.

Anthony Gordon is another option. Although the England international’s natural position is on the wing, he could also be used through the centre if Flick needs to change the shape of his front line.

The manager has other players who can be adapted to attacking duties depending on the demands of individual matches. Hamza Abdelkarim, however, is positioned at the end of that sequence of possible solutions rather than being regarded as Barcelona’s first alternative to a major signing.

Barcelona’s apparent plan is to pursue a high-profile striker, with Julian Alvarez at the top of the list, before moving on to other possibilities in the transfer market. If those efforts prove unsuccessful, the club would first rely on Raphinha, Gordon and other existing members of the squad before considering Abdelkarim.

The Egyptian forward’s inclusion in Flick’s calculations reflects the club’s difficult circumstances more than a decision to make him a regular first-team striker for the new season. Unlike Raphinha and Gordon, Abdelkarim is a natural centre-forward, giving Barcelona an additional specialist option in a position where they may otherwise need to use players outside their usual roles.

If Barcelona fail to sign Alvarez, negotiations for Martinez become too complicated and no suitable alternative can be found, the club may ultimately have little choice but to draw on its current squad. In that scenario, Abdelkarim would be considered an emergency solution for the central striking position.

That status could still create an unexpected opportunity for the young Egyptian. With only a short period remaining before the transfer window closes, his role may become more significant if Deco is unable to complete a new attacking signing in the final days of the market.

For now, Barcelona’s priority remains finding a major addition to their attack. Abdelkarim is not being lined up as the club’s main answer, but as one of the final options available should the recruitment process fail to deliver a new striker.