Hamza Abdelkarim’s rapid Barcelona rise strengthens Hansi Flick’s attacking plans

Barcelona believe Hamza Abdelkarim has developed into a genuine option to lead their attack after the Egypt striker impressed Hansi Flick and won over the club’s supporters.

The 18-year-old’s progress is being reported by Spanish newspaper Sport, which says Barcelona’s decision to take a chance on the forward is beginning to look increasingly justified.

Barcelona agreed a deal with Al Ahly in January 2026 to sign Abdelkarim on loan. At that stage, the move carried a considerable risk because the Cairo-born striker had made only nine appearances for Al Ahly’s first team.

He had played just 360 minutes of senior football without scoring, although Barcelona’s scouting reports rated his long-term potential very highly. His record for Egypt Under-17s, where he scored 12 goals in 21 matches, had already provided evidence of his ability in front of goal.

Breakthrough with Barcelona’s youth team

Abdelkarim made a significant impression during the final part of last season with Barcelona’s youth team, coached by Pol Planas.

The striker scored six goals in 10 matches for the club, featuring in five league games, two Copa del Rey matches and three Copa de Campeones fixtures. Across those appearances, he accumulated 547 minutes and started seven times.

His finishing and overall influence helped him earn a place at the World Cup with Egypt. Abdelkarim was regarded as one of the biggest surprises in the national team’s squad and maintained a positive impression despite failing to score in the tournament.

He played four matches at elite level, gaining further experience against stronger opposition before returning to Barcelona.

The Catalan club subsequently decided to activate their option to buy the player and retain the powerful left-footed striker on a permanent basis.

Strong pre-season showing

Barcelona then gave Abdelkarim the opportunity to take part in pre-season under Flick. Rather than extend his holiday, the teenager chose to report for preparation with the first team, a decision that may prove important in the development of his career.

He appeared in every pre-season match and quickly built confidence among both Flick’s coaching staff and Barcelona’s supporters.

Abdelkarim scored four goals in 241 minutes, while his performances offered encouragement beyond the statistics. With no other recognised centre-forward available, he made the most of his opportunity by showing a strong presence in the penalty area and a natural instinct for scoring.

Those qualities have helped convince Flick that Abdelkarim can contribute to Barcelona’s attacking plans, while the club’s sporting department now has further evidence that its initial gamble was worthwhile.

The forward’s progress has been particularly notable given how little senior football he had played before joining Barcelona. From a player with no first-team goals and limited experience, Abdelkarim has emerged as a serious attacking possibility through his displays for the youth side, Egypt and during pre-season.

His development has also given Barcelona another option in the number nine position as they assess how best to use the emerging striker under Flick.