Hamza Abdelkarim has cut short his summer break to give himself the best possible chance of earning a place in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona first team.
The 18-year-old Egypt striker returned to Barcelona on the first day of pre-season training after representing his country at the World Cup, with one clear objective: convince the German manager that he deserves to compete alongside the club’s senior stars.
Several weeks into the preparations, Abdelkarim’s decision appears to be producing the desired results. He has emerged as one of the most impressive players in Barcelona’s pre-season campaign and has begun to attract praise within the Catalan club after a series of confident performances.
Abdelkarim started both of Barcelona’s friendly matches against Europe and Birmingham, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. He was particularly influential in Friday evening’s game in England, scoring twice and converting a penalty he had won himself to become the outstanding player on the pitch.
His contribution extended beyond the goals. Abdelkarim displayed intelligent movement, excellent positioning in the penalty area and a level of confidence that belied his age.
“It was amazing, and I hope to score more goals,” he said after the match.
Barcelona initially signed Abdelkarim on loan from Al Ahly in January, when he was still largely unknown to many supporters of the Catalan club. In Egypt, however, he had long been regarded as one of the country’s most promising young players, with his rapid development leading some to describe him as the natural successor to Mohamed Salah.
Administrative delays meant his Barcelona debut did not come until March, but he needed fewer than three months with the Juvenil A side to convince the club’s coaching staff and sporting department of his potential.
Barcelona subsequently activated the €1.5m purchase option included in the loan agreement with Al Ahly, securing Abdelkarim’s permanent transfer in a move that underlined the confidence placed in his ability and long-term prospects.
His progress continued during an unusually demanding summer. Abdelkarim was selected for Egypt’s World Cup squad and played in four of the team’s five matches. He missed only the last-16 tie against Argentina, when Egypt were eliminated from the tournament on 7 July.
Despite the exertions of the competition, he was given just one week’s rest before returning to Barcelona’s training camp on 13 July. His target remained unchanged: earn Flick’s trust.
After the Birmingham match, Abdelkarim said: “It was amazing, of course. I am very happy, and I hope that the team and I can continue working and improving with every game. They were a strong opponent and had great physical ability.”
He added: “We are still a young team and getting to know each other better on the pitch, which builds confidence among everyone in the group. I hope I can score more goals.”
Flick has taken notice of the striker’s performances and has praised both his technical qualities and his character.
“I think he is a very humble player, with a great personality and great potential,” said Flick. “He is a striker who knows how to position himself well inside the penalty area and is always aware of what is happening in the game. That is exactly what I ask of a number nine.”
The competition for a senior role will be difficult, with Barcelona seeking to strengthen their attack during the current summer transfer window and Julian Alvarez reportedly their leading priority.
Abdelkarim can nevertheless take encouragement from Flick’s willingness to give opportunities to young players. The manager has already involved several members of La Masia, Barcelona Atletic and the youth sides with the first team, leaving the Egyptian determined to make the most of every minute available to him.
The year has already marked a remarkable change in Abdelkarim’s career. He began 2026 as a player on loan with Barcelona’s youth team, then represented Egypt at the World Cup before Barcelona made his transfer permanent and invited him to join the first-team pre-season camp.
Now, through his goals, improving performances, professional attitude and consistent work, Abdelkarim is moving closer to his biggest ambition: convincing Flick that he is ready to wear the Barcelona shirt at senior level.
