In a summer of big spending from teams, Barcelona have made an exciting discovery from their internal squad evaluation.
Teenage Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim has forced his way into the thinking of Barcelona manager Hansi Flick ahead of the 2026-27 season, according to SPORT.
Initially signed on loan from Al-Ahly, the Egypt international signed a permanent deal with the Spanish giants this summer, and has been hugely impressive since.
The club are now working on a deal to tie down the 18-year-old to a €150 million release clause, as he has emerged as an exciting, high-upside option for Flick's squad in attack.
How Hamza Abdelkarim Forced His Way Into Barcelona's First-Team Plans
The Catalan giants initially signed Hamza Abdelkarim to their Barca Atletic team on loan from Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in January.
The young striker plundered eight goals in 11 youth games, showcasing impressive tactical adaptability and finishing ability in front of goal.
Barcelona activated his modest €1.5 million buy option after his performance in youth football earned him a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rather than head out for a vacation after the Mundial, Hamza, keen to impress, made himself available for Hansi Flick at the start of pre-season.
His work ethic paid dividends, as he featured prominently as a striker during pre-season, scoring four goals in just 241 minutes of action.
His performance convinced the coaching staff that he belongs in first-team training and is an option during their prolonged pursuit of a new striker.
What Hamza Abdelkarim Could Offer Barcelona as a Number Nine
The Egyptian has spent the entire pre-season proving his ability against different levels of opposition, dominating the penalty box.
Barca have been pursuing a deal for Julian Alvarez and have been linked with several other names, but the teenager has provided another option.
Hamza stands out for his physical presence and sharp anticipation in the box, as well as his clinical left-foot finishing.
Against his former club Al-Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy, he played 74 minutes and scored once with a smart finish, offering another encouraging sign of his ability to contribute against senior opposition.
Barcelona Plan New Deal and €150m Release Clause for Hamza Abdelkarim
Barcelona have recognized the rapid development of Hamza and are keen to reward him and solidify his future at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Club director Deco is working on a proposal to adjust the financial terms of the young striker and also raise his release clause from €15 million to €150 million in a bid to ward off European suitors.
Discussions are also ongoing over a potential first-team registration for the youngster to confirm him as a first-team player, like Brian Farinas.
If the plans progress as expected, the arrangement could strengthen his position as a genuine option for Flick.
What Young Players Can Learn From Hamza Abdelkarim's Rise
Young players can learn a significant amount from how Hamza has emerged as a first-team option for Barcelona this summer.
The youngster cut short his holiday to make himself available for the grueling fitness training under Hansi Flick.
His journey is a reminder to young players that short-term discomfort can contribute to long-term progress.
Hamza Abdelkarim accepted a different stage of development in Europe in order to create a pathway towards Barcelona's first team.
Despite having played senior football for Al-Ahly, he accepted a place in Barca Atletic for his first taste of senior football in Europe. He impressed in youth football and earned a deserved promotion to the first-team.
Hamza has maximized every minute given to him, even if they were in friendly games.
The teenager's return of four goals in pre-season underlines this fact, and is something young players need to learn from. Impact is not measured in minutes, but in what those minutes are used for.
