**Title: Egyptian Teenager Hamza Abdelkarim Aims for Barcelona First Team After Impressive Pre-Season**
**Barcelona, Spain** – Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old striker from Egypt, is making headlines this pre-season as he emerges as a leading contender for a place in Barcelona's first team. After a limited role at Al Ahly, where he struggled for game time, Abdelkarim's fortunes have dramatically changed since joining the Catalan club.
Abdelkarim joined Barcelona during the winter transfer window, initially playing for the under-19 side, where he made a notable impact by scoring six goals in 11 appearances. His performance caught the attention of the club, leading to a permanent transfer in June, which secured his services until 2029.
This pre-season, Abdelkarim has been a standout player for Barcelona, scoring four goals in five friendly matches. He has started in four of these matches and found the back of the net in three, showcasing his potential as a key player for the upcoming LaLiga season. His decision to cut short a holiday following the World Cup to join Barcelona's preparations appears to have paid off, as he quickly established himself as the team's leading scorer during this period.
Abdelkarim's journey to prominence has not been without skepticism. Critics in Egypt questioned whether he could adapt to the demands of European football, given that most of his senior appearances for Al Ahly were in domestic cup competitions. However, he has shown a remarkable ability to lead Barcelona's attack, displaying a classic centre-forward's skill set, including a poacher's instinct, aerial strength, and effective link-up play with wingers.
His pre-season performances have included a standout brace in a match in Birmingham, followed by a goal shortly after coming on as a substitute in Basel. He also opened the scoring against his former club, Al Ahly, during the prestigious Joan Gamper Trophy, further solidifying his position as a promising talent.
Abdelkarim's potential was recognized on the international stage during the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored twice and provided an assist in four matches for the Egyptian national team. His performances earned him a call-up to Egypt's squad for the recent World Cup, where, despite not scoring in four substitute appearances, he garnered praise for his physicality and tenacity against seasoned defenders.
With Barcelona facing a transitional phase following the departures of prominent strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Abdelkarim's rise comes at a crucial time. The club has yet to recruit a dedicated striker, which could open the door for the young Egyptian to earn first-team opportunities sooner than anticipated.
In addition to his on-field talents, Abdelkarim has expressed admiration for Egyptian football icon Mohamed Salah, seeking to absorb his wisdom and experience. "Salah always speaks to me," Abdelkarim shared in an interview with ONSport. "I have to make the most of his advice. We all know that what Salah has achieved is no coincidence. He is an idol to all Egyptians."
As the LaLiga season approaches, Abdelkarim's remarkable ascent could see him leading Barcelona's attack in their opener against Elche this Sunday. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the young striker can continue his impressive form and carve out a significant role in one of the world's most prestigious football clubs. With his determination and talent, Abdelkarim is poised to make a lasting impact in LaLiga and beyond.