Hamza Abdelkarim emerges as Barcelona’s surprise attacking option under Hansi Flick

Barcelona believe Hamza Abdelkarim has developed into a genuine option to lead their attack after the Egyptian forward impressed with his technical ability and convinced both Hansi Flick and the club’s supporters of his potential.

The assessment, reported by Spanish newspaper Sport, suggests Barcelona’s decision to pursue Abdelkarim initially viewed as a risky and unusual move is beginning to deliver results.

Barcelona agreed a deal with Al Ahly in January 2026 to sign the striker on loan, despite the fact that he had made only nine appearances for the Egyptian club’s first team. At that stage, Abdelkarim had played just 360 minutes of senior professional football and had not scored.

However, Barcelona’s scouting reports were highly positive and placed significant emphasis on his future potential. The time since the agreement was reached has given the club’s sporting department further reasons to believe the decision was justified.

Abdelkarim had already attracted attention with Egypt Under-17s, scoring 12 goals in 21 appearances.

From youth football to the World Cup

The Cairo-born forward made a particularly strong impression during the final part of last season with Barcelona’s youth side, coached by Pol Planas. He scored six goals in 10 matches for the club, featuring in five league games, two Copa del Rey matches and three Champions Cup fixtures.

Those appearances amounted to 547 minutes, with Abdelkarim starting seven times. He found the net six times and made an impact in his own distinctive style.

His goals and performances for Barcelona helped earn him a place at the World Cup with Egypt. Abdelkarim was one of the most unexpected selections in the squad and continued to make a positive impression at the tournament.

Although he did not score, his performances were viewed favourably and he played in four matches at elite level.

Barcelona subsequently decided to activate their purchase option, securing the powerful, left-footed striker on a permanent basis.

A Sport front page carried the headline “Hamza de momento” alongside the description “Festin del nuevo Barca”, while also reporting that Gordon, Adeyemi, Rodri and Christensen had been registered.

A decisive pre-season

Barcelona then gave Abdelkarim the opportunity to begin pre-season under Flick. The 18-year-old chose to report for training rather than extend his holiday, a decision that may prove significant in the development of his career.

He played in every match during the preparation period and steadily earned the confidence of Flick and Barcelona’s supporters.

His statistics were notable, with four goals in 241 minutes, but the wider impression created by his performances was equally encouraging. He showed a strong presence in the penalty area and a natural instinct for finding scoring positions.

With no other recognised centre-forward available, Abdelkarim was able to persuade the coaching staff that he could provide a solution through his movement, physical presence and finishing instincts. What began as an uncertain gamble has therefore started to look like a promising attacking option for Flick and Barcelona.