Hamza Abdelkarim has given Barcelona an unexpected solution to their shortage of attacking options after scoring in each of their three most recent pre-season matches.
The Egyptian forward joined the club on loan from Al Ahly in January before Barcelona completed a permanent deal for his services. After impressing with the reserve team, Abdelkarim was promoted to the senior squad for the club’s pre-season tour and has quickly made an impression.
He scored twice on his first-team debut against Birmingham City, including a penalty he won and then converted. Abdelkarim followed that performance with another goal against FC Basel before finding the net against former club Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on 19 August 2026.
That run has strengthened his chances of being involved in Barcelona’s first-team plans, particularly because the club remain without an established number nine.
Head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged at the beginning of August that Barcelona needed to strengthen their attack. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have left the club, while Marcus Rashford – who could also operate in the central striker role – has returned to Manchester United.
Abdelkarim’s rapid progress therefore comes at a crucial moment for Flick and his coaching staff. The 19-year-old could provide a credible rotation option, and potentially a more significant role, if Barcelona fail to complete a major signing before the transfer window closes.
Alvarez deal remains uncertain
Barcelona’s main target for several months has been Julian Alvarez, with the Catalan club reportedly prepared to offer between 100m and 120m euros for the Argentina forward.
However, Atletico de Madrid have continued to resist selling Alvarez and the situation has become more complicated in recent days. Several Spanish sources report that Alvarez is reconsidering his desire to leave and is now focusing again on Atletico after becoming aware of the criticism he could face.
A report published on 18 August brought further concern for Barcelona. Some observers close to Atletico consider the transfer effectively closed, with the disagreement said to concern issues of ego rather than money. Barcelona have reportedly started to investigate alternative targets.
If the transfer window closes without a significant attacking addition, the question will no longer be whether Abdelkarim deserves an opportunity, but how prominent that opportunity should be.
His pre-season record has been particularly notable because his goals have come against opponents of varying levels and prestige. That may persuade Flick to give him meaningful minutes in competitive matches rather than limiting him to occasional appearances.
The greater test will come in tighter situations: in La Liga, against organised defences and over the course of a full campaign. Scoring in friendlies is not the same challenge as leading the line during a demanding season.
Even so, Barcelona may be forced to rely on their young Egyptian prospect sooner than expected. What began as an encouraging rise from the reserve team has quickly developed into one of the club’s most important attacking storylines, as they continue to search for a proven striker.
