Young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdel Karim has taken another significant step toward securing his place in Barcelona's long-term project after head coach Hansi Flick decided to keep him with the first team during the club's preparations for the 2026-27 season. The decision comes as the German coach begins trimming the squad of academy prospects involved in preseason training.

Flick's Confidence

Barcelona's coaching staff has started shaping the group that will continue working with the senior squad, sending Oscar Gistau, Ibrahim Diarra, and Alex Gonzalez back to Barcelona Atlètic after they spent the opening weeks of preseason training with the first team.

Meanwhile, Hamza Abdel Karim successfully retained his place among the youngsters training alongside Barcelona's senior stars, highlighting Flick's growing belief in the Egyptian forward after his impressive performances in training sessions and preseason friendlies.

A New Opportunity

Hamza is expected to travel with Barcelona to Udine, Italy, where the Catalan club will compete in a preseason mini-tournament against Udinese and Nottingham Forest. The event will provide another valuable opportunity for the young striker to prove himself ahead of the new La Liga campaign.

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Flick has continued to rely on several La Masia graduates during preseason as he evaluates which academy talents are ready to compete at the highest level. Hamza's continued inclusion is viewed as another positive sign of his rising status within the club's sporting project.

The Egyptian forward has further strengthened his case after scoring twice in Barcelona's recent friendly against Birmingham City during the club's training camp in England, boosting his chances of remaining with the first team ahead of the league opener against Elche.

Although competition for a permanent place in Barcelona's senior squad remains fierce, Hamza Abdel Karim's survival through the first round of squad cuts underlines the confidence Flick has placed in him. If he maintains his current level of performance, the young striker could soon earn his official first-team debut.