Barcelona Begin Talks With Hamza Abdelkarim as Young Forward Emerges as Potential No. 9
Barcelona’s difficulties in securing a new centre-forward, particularly with their pursuit of Julian Alvarez becoming increasingly complicated, could open an unexpected door for young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim.
The 18-year-old has yet to establish himself in Barcelona’s senior team, but the club’s coaching staff have been paying close attention to his development and are reportedly working to transform him into a more complete No. 9.
With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres no longer providing established options in attack, Abdelkarim could find himself much closer to the first-team picture than initially expected.
Barcelona Open Contract Talks With Hamza
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have already opened discussions with Abdelkarim’s representatives over a new long-term contract.
The club have reportedly held a direct meeting with the player’s camp as they look to reach an agreement and secure his future.
Although negotiations have not yet been completed, Barcelona are understood to be highly impressed with the youngster and believe it is important to resolve his contractual situation before his development attracts greater attention from elsewhere.
One issue being addressed is his current salary, which reportedly does not reflect the potential Barcelona see in him.
The Catalan club therefore want to improve his terms while rewarding his progress and protecting their long-term investment.
Barcelona See Major Potential in the Egyptian
The negotiations also underline how highly Barcelona rate Abdelkarim internally.
The youngster has reportedly made a positive impression on the coaching staff, who have taken a particular interest in developing his qualities as a central striker.
Rather than relying solely on his natural attributes, Barcelona are working to mould him into a complete No. 9 capable of operating effectively inside the penalty area, linking play and contributing to the team's pressing structure.
The player's own relationship with the club is also understood to be positive. Abdelkarim is reportedly happy at Barcelona and remains keen to continue his development within the Blaugrana system.
Alvarez Situation Could Open the Door
Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez remains the club’s preferred solution to their striker problem, but negotiations with Atletico Madrid have proven difficult.
The Catalans are unwilling to wait indefinitely and have already considered alternative targets should a deal for the Argentine fail to materialise.
That uncertainty could benefit Abdelkarim.
With Lewandowski and Ferran Torres no longer available, Barcelona currently face a shortage of experienced senior options in the centre-forward position. If the club fails to sign a marquee striker before the transfer window closes, the Egyptian youngster could potentially receive a greater opportunity with the first team.
A New Path for Hamza
For now, Barcelona are not necessarily expecting Abdelkarim to immediately become their starting striker.
However, securing him on a new long-term contract would give the club time to continue his development while keeping an exciting academy prospect firmly within their plans.
If the Alvarez operation ultimately collapses, Abdelkarim could move from being a promising La Masia prospect to a genuine first-team option much sooner than expected.
Barcelona’s immediate priority remains finding an established No. 9, but the club’s decision to negotiate improved terms with Hamza Abdelkarim shows that they also believe the solution to their attacking problem could partly come from within.