Barcelona friendly sparks Hamza Abdelkarim excitement

Barcelona’s search for life after Robert Lewandowski has barely begun, yet one pre-season outing has already shifted attention toward a new name. In the friendly against Birmingham, 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim scored twice and quickly became the main talking point around the Spanish champions.

Attention turns to a young striker

Lewandowski officially left Barcelona at the end of June, bringing an end to a four-year spell at the club. Replacing a striker so closely associated with goals was always going to be one of the biggest tasks facing the club’s decision-makers.

That is why Abdelkarim’s display against Birmingham has generated such immediate interest. Barcelona drew 2-2 in the match before Birmingham won 3-2 on penalties, but the result itself was not the dominant theme in the Spanish coverage. Instead, much of the focus fell on the teenager’s finishing and the impression he made in front of goal.

Spanish media make an early connection

Spanish outlet Cope reacted boldly, declaring that Barcelona may have found a “new Lewandowski”. It is an eye-catching comparison, especially after only one match, but it reflects the level of excitement created by Abdelkarim’s performance.

Mundo Deportivo also highlighted the forward’s attitude away from the spotlight. The newspaper pointed to his decision to cut short any break after representing Egypt at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, choosing instead to begin work as quickly as possible under Hansi Flick.

That detail has added to the sense that Barcelona are looking not only at a talented young striker, but also at a player determined to force his way into the first-team picture.

Flick offers measured praise

Flick’s own assessment was brief but encouraging. Asked about Abdelkarim, the Barcelona head coach described him as a humble player with character, adding that he has significant potential and operates well inside the penalty area.

Perhaps most notably, Flick said the teenager does what a central striker is supposed to do. For a young forward trying to establish himself at a club of Barcelona’s size, that is meaningful praise.

What it could mean for Barcelona

It would be premature to place too much weight on a single friendly, particularly when Barcelona have also recently brought in Karim Adeyemi and had bigger ambitions in the market with Julian Alvarez. Even so, Abdelkarim has given the club and its supporters a reason to look closely at an internal option.

For now, the story is less about declaring a finished successor to Lewandowski and more about the emergence of a prospect who has seized his moment. Abdelkarim’s two-goal performance against Birmingham, combined with the praise from both the media and Flick, has ensured that he will be watched far more closely in the weeks ahead.

• Hamza Abdelkarim scored twice in Barcelona’s friendly against Birmingham.
• The match ended 2-2, with Birmingham winning 3-2 on penalties.
• Robert Lewandowski officially left Barcelona at the end of June after four years.
• Hansi Flick praised Abdelkarim’s character, potential and penalty-box play.