Barcelona's Commitment to Hamza Abdelkarim: A Clear Development Plan
Barcelona set their plan for Hamza Abdelkarim – and they’re not budging.
The 18-year-old Egyptian striker will stick to the development roadmap the club drew up for him, despite not playing a single minute in the first two La Liga rounds. Inside the club, the faith in him is described as absolute, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Hamza ended the summer as Barcelona’s top scorer in pre-season, a statement run that caught the eye of Hansi Flick and his staff. Flick still sees him as a genuine weapon off the bench for the first team, an option who can change the rhythm of games rather than just make up the numbers.
The club also believe his body has finally caught up with his talent. Already a natural No 9 with a solid frame, he has been on a personalised physical programme, and the results are now obvious: stronger upper body, more power in his legs, more presence in duels. He looks like a first-team striker, not a prospect.
His time with Egypt’s senior national team at the last World Cup accelerated that process. He came on in the closing stages of most matches, picking up minutes at the highest level and sharpening his competitive edge. Barcelona feel that experience has delivered Flick a player prepared for elite demands, even if they accept he still has several steps left in his development.
For now, though, his home remains Barcelona Atletic. Sport reports that the club are committed to keeping him registered with the B team, where he has been handed the No 29 shirt from the start of the season. That decision was deliberate: whenever he is not involved with the first team, he will have guaranteed minutes and rhythm under Juliano Belletti.
Barcelona are realistic. They know his first-team minutes under Flick will rise and fall across a long season. That’s why they see regular action with Belletti’s side as the perfect safety net, ensuring the 18-year-old keeps growing instead of stalling on the bench.
There is another clear signal of trust. Sport adds that the club are already working on renewing Hamza Abdelkarim’s contract.
The plan is set. Now it’s up to the young Egyptian to turn that faith into a permanent place in Barcelona’s future.
