Deco backs Hamza Abd Elkarim to become Barcelona’s striker of the future

Barcelona sporting director Deco believes Egypt forward Hamza Abd Elkarim has the potential to become the club’s main striker in the future.

The 18-year-old has remained with Hans Flick’s first-team squad since the start of pre-season and has not trained with the reserve side at any stage this season. He made a late appearance in Barcelona’s match against Rayo Vallecano, playing the final five minutes.

Speaking to RAC1, Deco said Barcelona were not short of goalscoring options, while highlighting the qualities of several forwards.

“We are not lacking a goalscoring striker. Raphinha is performing very well, Gabriel Jesus is a team player and is the closest to the profile of a classic striker,” he said.

“Hamza Abd Elkarim is also a genuine centre-forward and has a very promising future ahead of him.”

Deco added that the Egyptian is viewed as a number nine for the future of the club.

Hamza Abd Elkarim has continued to train with the senior squad because of Flick’s confidence in his abilities, despite Barcelona’s signing of Gabriel Jesus. The club have also included the Egypt international in their squad for this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign.

He was an unused substitute as Barcelona began their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord.

The forward joined the first team at the beginning of pre-season and featured in every match during the preparation period. He then remained with the senior squad for the club’s first six matches of the season, rather than returning to the reserve team.

Barcelona are also in talks with Hamza Abd Elkarim’s agent, Christian Emili, over a new contract for the Egyptian striker.

The club’s principal aim is to increase the release clause in his current agreement from 15m euros to 150m euros.