Barcelona increasingly believe Hamza Abdelkarim can become a genuine option to lead their attack after the 18-year-old striker impressed during the past few months and won over both head coach Hansi Flick and the club’s supporters.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, a move that initially appeared risky, and even unusual, is beginning to look like a sound decision. Barcelona agreed a deal with Al Ahly in January 2026 to sign the Egyptian centre-forward on loan, despite the fact he had made only nine appearances for the club’s first team.
The passage of time has given Barcelona’s sporting department further evidence that the decision was justified.
When the agreement was reached, Abdelkarim had played only 360 minutes of senior professional football and had not scored. However, Barcelona’s scouting reports were highly positive, with the club placing considerable value on his potential development.
The striker had already attracted attention with Egypt Under-17s, scoring 12 goals in 21 matches.
From youth football to the World Cup
Abdelkarim’s progress accelerated during the closing stages of last season while he played for Barcelona’s youth side under coach Pol Planas.
The Cairo-born forward scored six goals in 10 appearances for the club. His involvement included five league matches, two Copa del Rey games and three Copa de Campeones fixtures.
He played a total of 547 minutes in those matches and started seven times. His six goals, together with the impact he made in a Barcelona shirt, helped earn him a place at the World Cup.
Abdelkarim was one of the most unexpected selections in the Egypt squad. Although he did not score at the tournament, his performances were viewed positively and he made four appearances at elite level.
Barcelona subsequently decided to activate their purchase option and retain the strong left-footed striker on a permanent basis.
Pre-season makes an impression
The Catalan club then offered Abdelkarim the opportunity to begin pre-season with Flick’s senior squad. The player chose that route rather than extending his holiday, a decision that may prove significant in the early stages of his career.
He featured in every pre-season match and used those opportunities to build the confidence of both Flick and Barcelona’s supporters.
His statistics were encouraging, with four goals in 241 minutes, but the impression he made went beyond his scoring record. With no other recognised centre-forward available, the Egyptian gave the coaching staff reasons to consider him seriously through his presence in the penalty area and his natural finishing instincts.
Barcelona now see Abdelkarim as more than a developmental project. His emergence has provided the club with a fresh attacking option and given Flick a player whose progress has been rapid, from limited first-team experience at Al Ahly to involvement with Egypt and a prominent role during the Spanish club’s preparations.
