Flick praises Hamza Abdelkarim after new deal: 'A great project for the future'

Hansi Flick appeared before the media ahead of the match against Levante and dedicated much of his press conference to Hamza Abdelkarim. The 18-year-old Egyptian forward has just extended his contract with FC Barcelona until 2030, and the German coach made it clear how much the club values his continuity.

• Hamza Abdelkarim signs a new deal with Barcelona until 2030 and Flick welcomes the decision.
• The coach describes him as a completely different profile within the squad.
• The Egyptian was the team's top scorer in preseason with four goals.
• Flick reviews his striker options: Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus, Gordon, Adeyemi, Olmo and Fermín.
• Raphinha has scored eight goals in the first five matches and leads the scoring charts.

Hamza Abdelkarim convinces Flick and secures his future at Barcelona

Hamza Abdelkarim's renewal until 2030 did not go unnoticed by the Barcelona coach. Flick said the club made the right call by tying down the striker and defended the decision as a clear investment in the present and the future. The German particularly valued the qualities the Egyptian brings, which are different from those of other players in the squad.

He is a player who performed in preseason and is competing with other players in that position. He is a totally different profile, a profile we do not have in the team. He is a great project for the future of the club. Of course, we had to keep him at the club.

What Hamza Abdelkarim brings to FC Barcelona's attack

Hamza Abdelkarim made a strong impression during the summer preparations. With four goals, he finished as the team's top scorer in preseason, and those numbers allowed him to make the jump to the first-team dynamic, even though he still holds a reserve team contract. That breakthrough has earned him a place in Flick's plans.

Flick's options for the Barcelona center forward role

The German coach also analyzed the competition for the striker position. Right now, Raphinha is shining in that role, but Flick pointed out that he has several profiles available to cover it. Alongside the Brazilian, Gabriel Jesus and Hamza offer different alternatives, and players like Gordon, Adeyemi, Olmo or Fermín can also operate as attacking references.

We have three different profiles -Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus and Hamza-, but Gordon and Adeyemi can also play in that position. Olmo has shown in the last two years that he can play there, just like Fermín. We have many options.

Raphinha, Barcelona's go-to scorer at the start of the season

Raphinha's form has been beyond question in the opening weeks of the campaign. The Brazilian has scored eight goals in the first five matches and is the squad's leading scorer. Flick did not hold back in his praise and said that, at this level, his player is among the best footballers in the world.

Gabriel Jesus, for his part, opened his scoring account with a header in the Champions League. The only forward still waiting for his first official goal with the first team is Hamza Abdelkarim, although his role in the attacking rotation continues to grow.

How Barcelona approach the match against Levante

With Hamza's new contract already sealed and several options in attack, Flick is preparing for the Levante match with confidence in his squad depth. Competition for a starting spot up front is intense, but the German coach insists that having such varied profiles is an advantage when facing a long and demanding season.

Frequently asked questions about Hamza Abdelkarim and Barcelona's attack