Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim emerges as Barcelona’s bright spark amid pre-season goalscoring concerns

Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim has emerged as one of the few bright spots for Barcelona during their pre-season preparations, with the young forward making an immediate impression as Hansi Flick continues to search for solutions to the club’s goalscoring problems.

The attacker has been given an opportunity to showcase his qualities during Barcelona’s friendly matches against Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest and Udinese, and he has taken advantage of the minutes handed to him by the German coach.

Abdelkarim has scored two of Barcelona’s three goals across those three matches, making him the club’s leading goalscorer during this particular stretch of pre-season.

Although both goals have come from the penalty spot, his contribution has nevertheless attracted attention at a time when Barcelona are struggling to find consistency in front of goal.

The 18-year-old has demonstrated composure when presented with the responsibility from 12 yards, successfully converting both penalties and showing the confidence required to handle pressure.

His emergence comes at an important moment for Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are preparing for a new campaign without Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who has reportedly departed for Chicago Fire after four seasons at Camp Nou.

Lewandowski was one of Barcelona’s most prolific attacking players during his time at the club, leaving a significant goalscoring void that Flick and the club’s sporting department must now address.

With the experienced striker no longer available, Barcelona need attacking players capable of stepping forward and contributing goals.

Abdelkarim’s pre-season performances have therefore provided Flick with an interesting option to consider.

The youngster may not yet be expected to replace Lewandowski outright, but his ability to take advantage of opportunities could earn him a more prominent role within the squad.

Barcelona’s attacking struggles have made his contribution even more noticeable.

Against Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest and Udinese, the team managed only three goals, with Abdelkarim responsible for two of them and Raphinha scoring the other.

While pre-season statistics should not be taken as a definitive indication of what will happen during the competitive campaign, the figures underline Barcelona’s current lack of attacking efficiency.

For Abdelkarim, however, the situation represents an opportunity.

The Egyptian forward has been able to gain valuable experience alongside senior players while demonstrating that he can handle the pressure of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

His penalty-taking ability has also stood out, with the youngster showing confidence and composure in crucial moments.

Flick will now have to decide how much responsibility he is prepared to place on the young attacker as Barcelona continue their preparations.

The return of key players such as Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo following their involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup should provide Flick with greater attacking options.

Nevertheless, Abdelkarim’s performances have ensured that his name remains firmly in the conversation.

Barcelona are also reportedly exploring the possibility of signing a new high-profile forward, with Julián Álvarez among the players linked with a move to Camp Nou.

Such a signing would naturally increase competition for places in attack, but Abdelkarim can still benefit from the experience and exposure he is receiving during pre-season.

At his age, the most important objective is continued development, and working under Flick alongside established international players could provide him with an ideal environment to improve.

The youngster’s two goals have also demonstrated that he is capable of responding when opportunities arrive.

Barcelona will face Basel on August 16 before meeting Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 19, giving Abdelkarim further opportunities to impress if he is selected.

Those matches could prove important for the Egyptian as he attempts to convince Flick that he deserves a place in the first-team plans.

For now, Abdelkarim remains one of the standout performers from Barcelona’s pre-season, particularly in a team that has struggled to find the back of the net.

His two goals may have both come from penalties, but his confidence, composure and willingness to take responsibility have offered Flick another attacking option to consider.

With Lewandowski gone, Ferran Torres potentially on his way out and the club still looking for additional attacking reinforcements, Barcelona will need goals from several different sources.

Hamza Abdelkarim has already shown that he is willing to answer that call.

The Egyptian youngster now has the opportunity to turn his promising pre-season into a genuine breakthrough and establish himself as an important part of Barcelona’s plans for the new campaign.