Hamza Abdelkarim, the unexpected solution for a Barça still searching for its number 9

Since his arrival on loan last January, followed by the permanent purchase of his contract from Al Ahly, Abdelkarim has continued to climb the ranks. After shining with the reserve team, he joined the professional squad for the pre-season tour, and it’s safe to say he has not disappointed.

During the friendly match against Birmingham City, he had already scored twice in his first game with the first team, including a penalty he won and then converted. He then confirmed his form against FC Basel, and again against his former club Al Ahly during the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 19, 2026, where he scored again, capping off an exceptional summer preparation.

A top-class backup, for lack of a new number 9 signing

These performances come at just the right time. Hansi Flick himself admitted at the start of August that the club urgently needed to strengthen its strike force, an area where Barça does not have any clearly identified options since Robert Lewandiwski and Ferran Torres have left, and Rashford, who could play in that position, has returned to Manchester United.

In this context, Abdelkarim's rise seems almost like a gift from heaven for the technical staff: the young Egyptian could offer a credible rotation option, or even more, if no major signing arrives before the end of the transfer window.

The Alvarez case, still at a standstill

Because on the transfer market front, nothing is moving. FC Barcelona has made Julian Alvarez its top target for months, with an offer nearing 100 to 120 million euros on the table. But Atlético de Madrid stubbornly refuses to let go of their Argentinian striker, and the saga has become even more complicated in recent days.

According to several Spanish sources, Alvarez himself is now reconsidering his desire to leave, refocusing on Atlético after realizing the criticism that awaited him. Even more worrying for the Catalans, information relayed on August 18 now mentions a case considered closed by some observers close to the Madrid club, due to a dispute said to be more about ego than financial matters. Barça has even started to explore alternative options.

What are Abdelkarim's chances this season?

If Barcelona's transfer window closes without a major attacking signing, the question is no longer whether Hamza Abdelkarim will get his chance, but to what extent. A providential backup in an offensive sector that is still unclear, capable of stringing together goals in friendlies against opponents of varying levels, could well convince Flick to give him more playing time in official matches.

It remains to be seen if things will be the same in a tighter configuration, in the league, against organized defenses and over the course of a full season. It’s a bold bet but, lacking a proven striker, Barça may well be forced to rely on its young Egyptian prodigy sooner than expected.