Barcelona reveal clear plan for Hamza Abdelkarim after Egypt breakthrough

Barcelona have reportedly mapped out a clear development plan for Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim following his growing impact with the national team.

The youngster attracted further attention after contributing to Egypt’s emphatic 5-0 victory over South Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, strengthening his profile both in Egypt and at Barcelona.

According to reports, Abdelkarim has become a major talking point in Egyptian football, with growing expectations that he could develop into one of the leading faces of the national team in the future.

However, Barcelona are taking a patient approach to his development and do not want to rush the young forward into becoming a regular starter.

Abdelkarim currently has more opportunities to play for Egypt than for Barcelona, but this is considered part of a gradual development process agreed between the player and the Catalan club.

Barcelona and head coach Hansi Flick are reportedly committed to keeping Abdelkarim with the first team this season rather than sending him out on loan.

The Egyptian forward has developed faster than initially expected since joining Barcelona’s youth setup on loan in January 2026. His performances have convinced the coaching staff that he possesses the qualities required to become a first-team striker.

Abdelkarim is regarded as a natural centre-forward with a strong understanding of attacking movements, impressive physical strength and a powerful shot.

Barcelona’s coaches reportedly believe those attributes could eventually see him develop into the club’s long-term No.9.

His progress during pre-season further strengthened the club’s belief in his potential. Abdelkarim scored several goals and impressed Flick and his coaching staff sufficiently for Barcelona to decide against sending him away on loan.

The club subsequently secured his permanent future with an improved first-team contract, while his release clause was reportedly increased to more than €100 million.

Barcelona’s decision was also influenced by interest from other clubs following his emergence and involvement with the Egyptian national team.

Despite receiving loan offers, the club opted to keep him close to Flick and the first-team setup, believing that training regularly at senior level will accelerate his development.

Abdelkarim has so far received limited playing time, including a brief appearance against Rayo Vallecano, but Barcelona are expected to increase his involvement as the season progresses.

The youngster is reportedly set to benefit from the club’s rotation policy after the international break, particularly with Barcelona facing a congested schedule.

Rather than immediately placing him under pressure to become a regular starter, the club intends to introduce him gradually and give him opportunities to gain valuable experience.

Abdelkarim is also understood to be aware of his current position within the squad and sees this stage of his career as an important period of learning and adaptation to senior football.

With established attacking options ahead of him, Barcelona believe patience will be important as they continue to develop the Egyptian striker.

The club reportedly has a target of giving Abdelkarim between 10 and 15 appearances this season, which would allow him to gain first-team experience while continuing his development.

Meanwhile, his increasing role with Egypt is giving him another platform to develop at senior international level.

With Barcelona committed to his long-term development and Egypt increasingly relying on his attacking qualities, Abdelkarim’s rise is becoming one of the most closely watched stories surrounding the young Egyptian forward.