FC Barcelona is on the hunt for a new number 9 after Robert Lewandowski left for Chicago Fire this summer. The club’s attempts to sign Julian Alvarez and Junior Kroupi have fallen through, with Alvarez’s agreement not materializing and Kroupi sidelined by injury. This has led Barcelona to look internally for a solution, focusing on promising talent within their ranks. One standout candidate is Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian striker whose loan from Al Ahly was recently made permanent for $1.7 million.

Hamza made a strong impression during a preseason match against Birmingham, scoring twice and demonstrating his striking instincts. Coach Hansi Flick praised Hamza for his humility, character, and ability to be in the right place inside the box—qualities essential for a classic number 9. Flick’s positive remarks highlight the young forward’s growing potential and readiness to contribute at the first-team level, marking him as a serious contender to fill the iconic shirt.

Despite his youth, local media have lauded Hamza’s maturity, physical attributes, and exceptional goalscoring skills. His second goal in the match, a well-timed rebound after a saved shot, showcased his natural ability to capitalize on opportunities inside the penalty area. Barcelona’s management is optimistic about his development at the Spotify Camp Nou, seeing him as a valuable asset moving forward.

Nevertheless, uncertainty remains about whether Hamza is the definitive answer to Barcelona’s number 9 dilemma. With Ferran Torres potentially departing for Paris Saint-Germain, the club’s forward depth could be tested even further. While Hamza’s emergence offers hope, Barcelona may still need to keep exploring options to secure a reliable striker who can uphold the legacy of greats like Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Samuel Eto’o.