Hansi Flick and Barcelona delighted with teenage striker’s progress | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are increasingly convinced they made the right decision by securing Hamza Abdelkarim’s permanent transfer before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

The Egyptian striker has quickly become one of the tournament’s most intriguing stories after making history as the youngest Arab footballer ever to appear at a World Cup.

At just 18 years old, Abdelkarim’s inclusion in Egypt’s squad raised eyebrows, particularly given that he has yet to feature for either Barcelona’s first team or Barça Atletic.

However, those inside the club have long believed in his potential, according to AS, with Flick and Barcelona delighted by the progress he has shown.

A signing Barcelona were eager to secure

Showing great potential. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

After spending six months on loan at the club, Barcelona’s sporting department recently agreed to pay €1.5 million to Egyptian side Al Ahly to complete the striker’s permanent transfer.

The deal was finalised shortly before the World Cup, and the club now feels increasingly vindicated by that decision.

Abdelkarim impressed during his time with Barcelona’s Juvenil A (U19) side, scoring six goals in eleven appearances and establishing himself as one of the most promising young forwards in the academy system.

His rapid development has also caught the attention of first-team manager Hansi Flick.

On Flick’s radar

Flick is closely monitoring the teenager’s progress and could include him in Barcelona’s pre-season training camp in England if Egypt do not progress deep into the World Cup.

The German coach is particularly interested in assessing him firsthand during the summer preparations.

Flick is keeping an eye on Abdelkarim’s development. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

With Barcelona still searching for a long-term solution at centre-forward and Ferran Torres potentially absent due to international commitments with Spain, Abdelkarim could even emerge as the club’s main striker during parts of pre-season.

That opportunity would offer him a valuable chance to demonstrate his qualities at senior level.

Barcelona’s development plan

Barcelona’s intention is for Abdelkarim to spend next season primarily with Barça Atletic while gradually earning opportunities with the senior squad.

The club views him as a natural goalscorer with strong finishing instincts inside the penalty area. However, coaches are also working on expanding other aspects of his game.

Particular focus is being placed on improving his understanding of team play, developing his link-up and combination play, and enhancing his decision-making outside the penalty box.

The technical staff believe these refinements could significantly accelerate his progression towards first-team football.

For Flick and Barcelona, the coming weeks could provide an invaluable opportunity to assess just how quickly the Egyptian striker can make the leap towards senior football.