Barcelona has developed genuine trust in Hamza Abdelkarim as a viable first-team striker after the Egyptian teenager scored four goals in just 241 minutes during pre-season matches.

The 18-year-old participated in every friendly match under coach Hansi Flick, opting to focus on Barcelona’s preparations instead of taking a holiday, thereby propelling himself beyond the youth ranks.

Advertisement

SPORT reports that the club views Hamza as a genuine alternative at centre-forward rather than just another academy prospect training with the senior team.

His impressive performance has led Barcelona to take a closer look at his future.

As previously reported, the club is negotiating a new contract to enhance his current terms and significantly increase his release clause from €15 million to a massive €150 million.

Hamza Seized His Barcelona Opportunity

Hamza joined Barcelona in January on loan from Al Ahly, initially being integrated into the club’s youth set-up with an option to buy included. Shortly after, Barcelona decided they had seen enough to retain him.

Hamza Abdelkarim is emerging as a real option for Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Advertisement

The club exercised that option and retained the powerful left-footed forward, with the most significant development this summer being that Flick welcomed him into the first team.

Instead of taking a planned holiday after participating in the World Cup, Hamza opted to report for pre-season and start training under the Barcelona coach.

This choice provided him with a platform to showcase his talent.

Rather than fading into the background among experienced senior players, Hamza stood out during every pre-season match and made a significant impact.

His four goals testify to his effectiveness, but the confidence in him extends beyond just statistics.

Advertisement

Hamza has displayed a keen instinct in the box, physical strength, and the ability to position himself effectively in threatening areas.

Hamza Abdelkarim has made the most of his pre-season opportunities. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

As Barcelona currently lacks a dedicated No. 9, those qualities have been recognized.

As a result, the Egyptian striker has evolved from a promising youth acquisition to a player that Flick can reliably include in his attacking strategies.

Flick Has a Genuine No. 9 Option

Hamza’s performances have come at a crucial time for Barcelona.

The club continues to explore the striker market, yet they recognize that part of the solution may already exist within the squad.

Advertisement

According to SPORT’s latest update, Barcelona is not merely viewing the youngster’s pre-season as a positive development story; there is a strong belief that he can make valuable contributions.

While pre-season play does not fully determine whether an 18-year-old can handle the rigors of a full season, Hamza has certainly earned the chance to be considered.

Barcelona have begun to place genuine trust in Hamza Abdelkarim as a first-team striker option after the Egyptian teenager produced four goals in just 241 minutes during pre-season.

The 18-year-old played in every friendly under Hansi Flick, chose to prioritise Barcelona’s preparations over his holiday and used the opportunity to force his way beyond the youth setup. 

Advertisement

SPORT now indicates that the club see Hamza as a real alternative at centre-forward rather than another academy prospect training with the senior squad.

His rise has also pushed Barcelona to look at his future more seriously. 

As reported before, the club is working on a new contract that would improve his current terms and raise his release clause from €15 million to a massive €150 million.

Hamza seized his Barcelona opportunity

Hamza arrived at Barcelona in January on loan from Al Ahly, initially joining the club’s youth ranks with an option to buy included in the agreement.

Barcelona soon decided that they had seen enough.

Hamza Abdelkarim is a genuine option for Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Advertisement

The club exercised that option and kept the powerful left-footed forward, but the biggest development came this summer when Flick opened the door to the first team.

Hamza could have taken his scheduled holiday after playing at the World Cup, but he chose to report for pre-season and begin working under the Barcelona manager.

That decision gave him the platform he needed.

Rather than disappearing into the background among established senior players, the teenager featured in every pre-season game and began making a clear impression. 

His four goals show the exact impact he made, but Barcelona’s confidence is not based on the numbers alone.

Advertisement

Hamza has shown a natural instinct around the penalty area, physical presence and an ability to find himself in dangerous positions. 

Hamza Abdelkarim has seized the opportunity during pre-season. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

For a side currently without another pure No. 9, those qualities have not gone unnoticed.

As a result, the Egyptian striker has gone from being a promising youth signing to a player Flick can genuinely consider when selecting his attacking options.

Flick has a genuine No. 9 option

Hamza’s performances have arrived at an important moment for Barcelona.

The club continue to assess the striker market, but they are also aware that the answer to part of their problem may already be inside the squad. 

Advertisement

SPORT’s update makes it clear that Barcelona are not treating the youngster’s pre-season simply as a positive summer story, as there is real belief that he can contribute.

Of course, pre-season football alone cannot determine whether an 18-year-old is ready to carry the demands of an entire campaign, but Hamza has earned the right to be considered.