Before the Al-Ahly clash: a message from Barcelona regarding Hamza Abdelkarim

What is the Catalan club's comment?

Barcelona have continued their praise of the young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, after he stole the spotlight during the emphatic 5-2 victory over Basel, in the friendly match that brought the two teams together as part of the Catalan club's preparations for the new season.

On as a second-half substitute for Anthony Gordon, the 18-year-old needed only three minutes to leave his mark. He scored Barcelona's second goal, confirming once again the goalscoring abilities that have caught the eye throughout pre-season.

The club celebrated their Egyptian's contribution on their official X account, posting a picture of Hamza after his goal alongside the words: "Hamza has an innate goalscoring instinct. Plenty of goals in his locker."

That message reflects the club's real confidence in his potential. Hamza has become one of the standout surprises of pre-season, thanks to the impressive levels he has produced in the friendlies.

Featuring in all of Barcelona's warm-up fixtures before the campaign kicks off has boosted his chances of breaking into the first team. Ferran Torres has left for Paris Saint-Germain, and Hansi Flick's squad still lacks a recognised striker.

Now the Egyptian awaits a fresh challenge. His side face his former club Al Ahly next Wednesday at the Camp Nou, in the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly.

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