Although Barcelona is trying to find new strikers to bolster the team's options, it may already have an intriguing solution within the club.
Hamza Abdel Karim delivered a remarkable performance with Barcelona during the pre-season preparations for the new campaign, and his brilliance has sparked fan questions about whether Hans Flick truly needs to sign an expensive striker.
The "BARCA Universal" network reported that Hamza Abdel Karim is drawing attention due to his qualities as a genuine striker and should not be treated merely as a rising talent from the academy.
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Hamza Abdel Karim possesses the attributes of a classic number nine who operates centrally, seeking to penetrate the penalty area and arrive at the perfect moment to score goals.
He represents an ideal complementary element for a squad featuring several players who prefer keeping the ball at their feet, meaning the attacking system does not need to be built entirely around him.
Hamza Abdel Karim does not need to be the primary creative force in the team given the presence of players like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Ansu Fati; his role is limited to making the right movements and scoring goals, which he has proven capable of doing during the pre-season.
For these reasons, Hamza Abdel Karim deserves to play with the first team, and there is no reason for Barcelona to hesitate regarding him. The remaining question is whether he is ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading an attack competing for major titles such as La Liga and the Champions League.
Playing as a striker for Barcelona requires much more than simply scoring goals that change perceptions; Hamza must master pressing techniques, understand his teammates' movements, play with his back to goal, and link up the attacking lines in tight spaces during matches where scoring opportunities are not easily created.
It may not be wise to place additional burden on the 18-year-old Hamza Abdel Karim; however, if the Egyptian proves his ability to meet Flick's requirements and tactical plan, the German coach will become the strongest advocate supporting the former Al-Ahly striker. Flick's track record shows he cares little for age or reputation.
The quality of Barcelona's current squad helps Hans Flick integrate Hamza Abdel Karim gradually without relying on him as an immediate replacement for Robert Lewandowski. Therefore, the club might sign one experienced striker while keeping the Egyptian as a future bet within the first team.
The risk lies in Barcelona's perspective, where they might consider they no longer need to sign a striker due to Hamza Abdel Karim's brilliance in some pre-season matches that lacked high pressure.
Hamza Abdel Karim could bear a burden too heavy for him, potentially embarrassing Hans Flick if the young Egyptian struggles to convert his temporary brilliance into consistent and sustained performance. Hamza might form part of the solution for the striker position this summer, but he cannot be the sole solution for this role.
Barcelona must give Hamza Abdel Karim the opportunity to surprise everyone this season, while also providing him with support and security. There remains one week left to close this file.
