Exclusive: Barcelona decide next step for Hamza Abdelkarim after Gabriel Jesus’ arrival | OneFootball

According to information exclusively provided to Barça Universal by Adrian Sanchez, we can reveal that Barcelona have decided that Hamza Abdelkarim should continue developing with Barça Atlètic despite the Egyptian striker remaining involved with Hansi Flick’s first-team group.

The 19-year-old had forced his way into the conversation during pre-season, scoring four goals to finish as Barcelona’s leading scorer, and subsequently made his senior debut against Rayo Vallecano.

Yet his route to regular first-team football has now become considerably harder.

Gabriel Jesus’ arrival from Arsenal has added another experienced option to Flick’s attack, while Raphinha has also impressed as the manager’s target man. 

Barcelona therefore believe Abdelkarim’s development will be better served by regular football with Barça Atlètic.

Barcelona double down on Abdelkarim

Notably, Barcelona’s decision does not represent a change in the club’s belief in the youngster, as the club has just agreed a new contract that will keep Abdelkarim at the club until the summer of 2030.

It must be remembered that Abdelkarim joined Barcelona in February 2026 on loan from Al Ahly and immediately caught the eye with Juvenil A during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.

His performances convinced the club to activate the €1.5 million purchase option, plus add-ons, this summer.

After initially signing a deal until 2029, the new agreement now gives Barcelona another year of control with a better release clause.

Gabriel Jesus makes the path more difficult

Abdelkarim’s pre-season form put him on Flick’s radar, but the competition around him has changed.

Hamza Abdelkarim has just renewed his contract with Barcelona. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Raphinha’s performances as a central attacking option have given Flick a solution that did not necessarily exist before. 

Furthermore, Gabriel Jesus then arrived, providing another senior forward capable of competing for minutes.

For Abdelkarim, the issue is not whether he can train well enough to remain around the first team. It is whether he can actually play regularly.

That is where Barça Atlètic comes into the picture.

The club wants Abdelkarim to continue working within the first-team dynamics this season, but the expectation is that his competitive minutes will largely come with the reserve side.