Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim appears to be moving closer to a major new step in his Barcelona career, with Spanish reports revealing the club’s plans for the talented youngster next season.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona do not view Abdelkarim simply as a player for the reserve team. The Catalan club reportedly believe the Egyptian striker has the potential to become an option for the first team.
The youngster is expected to receive an opportunity during pre-season preparations, which could play a major role in determining his position within the club.
Abdelkarim is expected to join Barcelona’s preparations for the new season, although he will reportedly receive additional days of rest before beginning training.
The decision comes after a demanding run of matches.
The Egyptian striker played in the youth Champions Cup final against Real Madrid before joining the Egypt national team for the 2026 World Cup without a significant break.
Barcelona are therefore expected to carefully manage his physical condition before he begins pre-season training.
Reports suggest that Barcelona do not see Abdelkarim as a player exclusively destined for the reserve team.
The club reportedly believe he could become an option for the senior squad, particularly if he impresses head coach Hansi Flick during pre-season.
Training sessions and friendly matches will provide the Egyptian forward with an important opportunity to demonstrate his qualities in front of the first-team coaching staff.
However, being viewed as a potential first-team option does not guarantee a permanent place in the senior squad throughout the season.
The final decision is expected to depend on his performances, development and the needs of the coaching staff.
Several factors could improve Abdelkarim’s chances of moving closer to Barcelona’s senior squad.
Barcelona Atletic have strengthened their attacking options, potentially giving the club greater flexibility in managing the Egyptian striker’s development.
Abdelkarim could also be involved with Egypt’s senior and youth national teams, making the management of his playing time an important issue.
Barcelona reportedly believe the striker possesses attacking qualities that could make him a useful option for the first team when required.
Pre-season could become the most important period of Abdelkarim’s Barcelona career so far.
The Egyptian youngster will have the opportunity to train under Hansi Flick and alongside senior players.
Flick has shown a willingness to give young talents opportunities when they demonstrate that they are ready to compete at the highest level.
Abdelkarim will therefore be aiming to make the most of any minutes he receives in pre-season friendlies.
Breaking into Barcelona’s attacking line will not be easy because of the intense competition for places.
However, Abdelkarim’s age and potential for development could work in his favor.
The coaching staff may choose to gradually introduce him to first-team football rather than immediately making him a permanent member of the senior squad.
Such a plan could allow the striker to continue developing while remaining available for first-team opportunities.
Abdelkarim began his Barcelona journey after moving from Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
He quickly attracted attention through his performances with the club’s youth teams, and his situation has now developed to the point where a potential first-team role is being discussed.
His international experience with Egypt has also helped his development and given him the opportunity to compete at a high level despite his young age.
The coming season could be decisive for Hamza Abdelkarim’s future at Barcelona.
The Egyptian striker is no longer simply a young prospect experiencing European football. He now appears to have a genuine opportunity to move closer to the first team of one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Pre-season will provide the first major test.
If Abdelkarim can convince Hansi Flick of his ability to contribute, the 2026-27 season could bring a historic first-team opportunity for the Egyptian youngster.