Hansi Flick Reshapes Barcelona Attack as Marcus Rashford Departs and Youngster Hamza Abdelkarim Shines

Hansi Flick has embarked on a strategic overhaul of FC Barcelona‘s forward line ahead of the upcoming campaign, choosing not to trigger a £30 million permanent option for Marcus Rashford despite the England international’s pivotal role in the club’s recent title success.

Rashford returned to parent club Manchester United following a productive loan spell in Spain, where he tallied 14 goals and 11 assists across 49 appearances to help secure the domestic La Liga trophy. Barcelona instead redirected their financial resources toward long-term investments, completing a £69.3 million deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in May.

“I really appreciate having worked with him,” Flick stated regarding Rashford’s departure. “Loans don’t always lead to permanent transfers. I’m grateful for his work. I’ll miss him. But Anthony Gordon has arrived and he’s very keen to start working with us.”

The recalibrated frontline received its first trial on Friday during a pre-season friendly against Championship outfit Birmingham City. New £18.8 million signing Karim Adeyemi, recruited from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, featured for the opening 45 minutes to make his non-competitive debut. However, the German international was outshone by 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who netted both goals for the Catalan side in a 2-2 draw before Birmingham secured a 3-2 victory in the subsequent penalty shootout.

Abdelkarim restored parity in the 41st minute by converting a penalty after being brought down by defender Christoph Klarer. Birmingham, co-owned by NFL icon Tom Brady, had initially taken the lead through an August Priske header off Alex Cochrane’s delivery. Abdelkarim scored his second an hour into the match, reacting quickly after goalkeeper James Beadle failed to hold a long-range effort from Roony Bardghji.

Flick praised the teenager’s instincts while acknowledging that Adeyemi requires time to adjust after completing just one week of training. “He’s very humble, has a good character and a lot of potential,” Flick said of Abdelkarim. “He’s a striker and is well-positioned in the box. He’s very aware of the area, which is what I ask of a number 9.”

Birmingham equalized late in the contest when new £6 million signing Jhon Solis capitalized on a Christoph Klarer header. Beadle anchored the English side’s victory with late double saves against Bardghji and Alex Gonzalez before making two crucial stops in the penalty shootout. Official updates on squad preparations can be tracked via FC Barcelona.

Barcelona operated with a heavily depleted squad at the sold-out venue. Key members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad—including Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Pedri—remained absent following international duties. Left-back Alejandro Balde started on the bench as he manages his return from injury, while Raphinha engaged in solo training sessions following an extended international campaign with Brazil. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, continuing recovery from a major knee injury, traveled with the team but focused on gym work.

Flick’s squad travels next for a closed-doors fixture against Preston North End on Monday, while Birmingham City prepares for their EFL Cup first-round clash against Swansea City on August 8.