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Hamza Abdelkarim leads Barcelona scoring in pre-season
Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim has emerged as a standout performer during FC Barcelona’s pre-season preparations for the 2026-2027 season. The 18-year-old has become the team’s leading scorer in friendly matches, netting three goals so far, including a brace against Birmingham City and a recent goal against Basel.
Barcelona’s coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, is reportedly using video analysis of elite strikers such as Erling Haaland, Victor Gyökeres, and Samuel Eto’o to help refine Abdelkarim’s movement and finishing inside the penalty area. The young forward, who joined Barcelona’s youth system on loan from Egypt’s Al Ahly before a permanent transfer this summer, is being positioned as a potential option for the first team.
Abdelkarim is set to face his former club, Al Ahly, in the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy at the Spotify Camp Nou. This match serves as Barcelona’s final friendly before their La Liga campaign begins on August 23 against Elche.
Entities
Al Ahly · Al Ahly SC · Egypt National Youth Team · Erling Haaland · FC Barcelona · Hamza Abdel Karim · Hamza Abdelkarim · Hansi Flick · Khaled El-Ghandour · Mohamed Ibrahim · Spotify Camp Nou
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mohamed Ibrahim stated that Hamza Abdel Karim's professional mentality is a key reason for his move to Barcelona.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Hamza Abdel Karim is scheduled to play for Barcelona against Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Spotify Camp Nou.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Media personality Khaled El-Ghandour praised Hamza Abdel Karim's goal against Basel, comparing the style to Erling Haaland. www.sabaharabi.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Egypt youth national team general coach expects Hamza Abdel Karim to feature in Barcelona's starting lineup this season.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Khaled El-Ghandour clarified that his previous criticism of the player's inclusion in the national team was based on technical criteria rather than personal bias. www.sabaharabi.com