Barcelona have reportedly made an important change to their plans for Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, with the young forward now expected to be considered for the first team during the new season.
The original plan was reportedly to give Abdelkarim an opportunity during pre-season before making a final decision on his immediate future.
However, the Egyptian forward’s development has convinced the club to consider a bigger role for him.
Barcelona now believe Abdelkarim has the qualities to become part of the senior squad rather than simply spending a short period training with the first team.
Abdelkarim is expected to receive an opportunity to prove himself alongside Barcelona’s senior players during preparations for the new campaign.
The move represents a major step in the career of the Egyptian forward, who has continued to attract attention since moving to Spain.
His development at Barcelona, combined with his experience with the Egypt national team at the 2026 World Cup, has strengthened his position inside the club.
The young striker will now have the chance to compete for a place and demonstrate that he can contribute at senior level.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and his technical staff are expected to closely assess Abdelkarim during preparations for the new season.
The main objective will be to determine how quickly the Egyptian striker can adapt to the tactical and physical demands of first-team football.
Abdelkarim offers several attacking qualities, including physical strength, movement inside the penalty area and the ability to operate as a central striker.
His promotion does not guarantee regular playing time, but it gives him an important opportunity to train and compete alongside some of the biggest names at the club.
Abdelkarim’s appearance with Egypt at the 2026 World Cup has added another important chapter to his rapid development.
The young forward gained valuable international experience at an early stage of his career and had the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
Barcelona reportedly believe that exposure to high-level international football can accelerate his development and help him deal with greater pressure.
His experience with Egypt has also strengthened the belief that he is ready to take on bigger challenges at club level.
Barcelona initially brought Abdelkarim to Spain from Egyptian giants Al Ahly before later securing his long-term future.
In June 2026, the Catalan club activated the option to sign the striker permanently, with the player agreeing to a contract running until 2029.
The decision came after his development inside Barcelona’s system convinced club officials of his long-term potential.
By completing the permanent move, Barcelona demonstrated their belief that Abdelkarim could develop into an important player in the years ahead.
Abdelkarim began his career in Al Ahly’s youth system and progressed to senior football at a young age.
His performances for the Egyptian club and Egypt’s youth national teams attracted attention before he eventually moved to Barcelona.
Since arriving in Spain, the striker has worked to adapt to European football and improve both the technical and physical sides of his game.
He now faces the biggest challenge of his career, with a genuine opportunity to prove that he belongs among Barcelona’s senior players.
If Abdelkarim makes an official appearance for Barcelona’s first team, it would represent a historic moment for Egyptian football.
A senior debut for one of the world’s biggest clubs would be a major milestone for the young striker and for Egyptian players in European football.
The challenge will not be easy, given the intense competition for places in Barcelona’s squad.
However, the upcoming preparation period could be decisive as Abdelkarim attempts to convince the coaching staff that he deserves a permanent role with the first team.
Barcelona’s reported decision to include Hamza Abdelkarim in their first-team plans represents another major step in the young forward’s rapid rise.
After progressing through Al Ahly, moving to Spain and representing Egypt at the 2026 World Cup, the striker is now approaching a potentially defining stage of his career.
Attention will turn to Barcelona’s preparations for the new season to see what role Abdelkarim receives and whether he can turn the club’s confidence into an official first-team appearance.