Lamine Yamal could have a very different vision for Barcelona’s next superstar striker, and it’s a plan that could leave Culers arguing for months! 👀🔥
Rather than watching Barça spend a fortune chasing Erling Haaland or Julián Álvarez, Yamal reportedly believes the club should give Hamza Abdelkarim a serious opportunity to prove himself at first-team level. 🇪🇬💎
And this isn’t simply a case of Yamal hyping up a young teammate.
The 18-year-old Egyptian has already given Barcelona plenty of reasons to believe there could be something special hiding underneath that potential. During his first spell with Barça, Abdelkarim scored six goals in nine league appearances for the U19 side, including a hat-trick in a 9-0 victory. The club subsequently made his move permanent.
Then came an eye-catching preseason with Hansi Flick’s first team. Hamza finished as Barça’s top scorer in preseason with four goals, earning himself opportunities around the senior squad. He eventually made his competitive debut against Rayo Vallecano.
🚨 And the biggest signal of Barça’s faith? The club later extended his contract through 2030, with his reported release clause increasing dramatically to €150 million. That is hardly the treatment of a youngster the club has no plans for. 💰🔐
But here’s where Yamal’s reported preference becomes really interesting. 👀
The Spanish superstar has publicly praised Abdelkarim, describing him as a goalscorer with enormous potential and urging him to remain calm and confident because he has plenty of time to develop. Yamal believes the Egyptian has the qualities to become an excellent striker.
😱 WHY HAMZA COULD ACTUALLY HELP YAMAL
One of the most intriguing aspects of Abdelkarim’s game is that he offers something different.
He is a natural penalty-box striker who likes occupying defenders and attacking dangerous areas. That type of No. 9 could potentially create more room for Yamal to operate from the right side. Instead of constantly dropping deep or moving inside to create space himself, Yamal could have a striker occupying the centre-backs and waiting for his deliveries. 🎯🔥
That could be a terrifying combination.
Yamal on the wing + Hamza attacking the box = defenders in serious trouble. 😮💨💀
And Barça’s sporting department clearly sees something in him too. The club decided against sending him out on loan despite interest, while Flick has kept him close to the first-team environment. Flick has also made it clear that Hamza is a different type of forward and a major prospect for the future.
But there is one massive problem. ⚠️
Flick is not going to hand him a starting spot simply because he scores goals.
The young Egyptian still needs to improve his work outside the penalty area, tactical understanding, pressing and overall adaptation to Barcelona’s demanding style. His official first-team experience remains extremely limited.
That is why the Haaland or Julián debate remains so fascinating. 🤯
A player like Haaland would provide proven world-class goals immediately. Julián Álvarez would bring elite movement, pressing, technical quality and Champions League experience.
Hamza, meanwhile, represents potential.
He could become the next great Barça striker… or he could simply need several seasons before reaching that level.
And perhaps that is exactly why Yamal’s reported preference is so bold.
Instead of spending huge money on another superstar, Barça could give their own young talent the chance to grow alongside the likes of Yamal, Pedri and the rest of Flick’s developing squad. 🌱🔵🔴
The Egyptian has already scored for his country at senior level too, adding another exciting chapter to what has been a remarkable 2026 for the teenager.
🔥 Imagine this Barça attack in the future:
🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal
🇪🇬 Hamza Abdelkarim
🇧🇷 Raphinha
With young talent developing around them, Barcelona could potentially build another terrifying generation without having to smash their transfer budget on a Galáctico signing. 💰🚫
The question now is simple:
Should Barça listen to Yamal and give Hamza Abdelkarim the opportunity to become the club’s next great No. 9, or should they still go all-in for a proven superstar like Haaland or Julián Álvarez? 👀🔥
Culers, would you trust Hamza as Barça’s striker? 🔵🔴🇪🇬