Egypt teenager Abdelkarim pushing for Barca place after prolific pre-season

Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian striker, is emerging as a potential first-choice forward for FC Barcelona ahead of the upcoming LaLiga season. His impressive performances during the club’s pre-season have placed him in direct competition for a spot in manager Hansi Flick’s starting lineup. Abdelkarim scored four goals in five warm-up games, including three starts, and has demonstrated a knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments. His rapid ascent comes despite limited senior club experience, having spent much of his time in Al Ahly’s youth system before being signed by Barcelona earlier this year. The teenager joined Barcelona during the winter transfer window, moving from Al Ahly on loan. He made 11 appearances for the club’s under-19 side, scoring six goals, which prompted Barcelona to exercise its purchase option in June, securing his services through to 2029. His transition to senior football was accelerated when he cut short his post-World Cup break to join Barcelona’s pre-season preparations. This decision allowed him to gain valuable match experience and showcase his abilities against higher-level opposition. Abdelkarim’s pre-season form has been nothing short of spectacular. He opened his account with a brace in a friendly match in Birmingham, followed by a goal in just four minutes after coming off the bench in Basel. His performance reached new heights when he scored the opener against his former club Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy, a symbolic moment marking his move to one of Europe’s elite clubs. His versatility as a traditional centre-forward, combined with his aerial prowess and ability to connect with wide players, has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s top strikers. Before joining Barcelona, Abdelkarim had already made waves in international football. At the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, he played a pivotal role for Egypt, scoring two goals and providing an assist in four matches. His performances earned him recognition from national team coach Hossam Hassan, who included him in Egypt’s squad for the recent World Cup. Though he didn’t find the net in four substitute appearances, his physicality and tenacity were noted by analysts and fans alike. Despite his growing reputation, some Egyptian pundits remained skeptical about his readiness for top-tier European football. They pointed to his limited exposure to senior club action, with most of his experience coming in domestic cup competitions. However, Abdelkarim has defied expectations, adapting quickly to the demands of professional football and proving his worth in high-stakes environments. His relationship with Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool star and Egyptian icon, has become a focal point of his journey. Salah has taken an interest in Abdelkarim’s progress, offering guidance and encouragement. In an interview with ONSport, Abdelkarim expressed his admiration for Salah, stating that he aims to emulate the success of his compatriot. “Salah always speaks to me,” he said. “I have to make the most of his advice. We all know that what Salah has achieved is no coincidence.” As Barcelona prepares for its LaLiga opener against Elche, Abdelkarim finds himself in contention for a starting position. His performances have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, and there is speculation that he could feature prominently in the match. If he secures a place in the starting XI, it would mark a historic moment for both the player and the club, signaling a breakthrough for a young talent from Egypt in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.