'It's a dream' – Teenage forward Abdelkarim pens new Barcelona contract

Hamza Abdelkarim said it was a dream come true to sign a new contract with Barcelona, after the 18-year-old committed his future to the Catalan giants until 2030.

Abdelkarim, who has won six senior caps for Egypt, only joined Barcelona in February, initially on loan from Al Ahly.

He represented Barca's B team before making his stay at Camp Nou permanent in June, then made a major impression during pre-season.

Abdelkarim scored twice on his first start for the senior team, in a 2-2 friendly draw with Birmingham City, and after finishing pre-season with four goals in total, he was promoted to the first-team squad by Hansi Flick.

A senior LaLiga debut followed off the bench in last month's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, and now, he has penned fresh terms to remain with the club for the long haul.

"It's a dream," he told Barca's website. "You have to see what you can work on and improve, and that's what we do every day. I know I have to improve. 

"Everyone knows that forwards have to score goals to help the team. I am committed and I'll give 100% every day.

"The coach and all the staff really support me and have helped me improve many things. The dressing room has supported me from day one. It's a family, more than just a team."

Abdelkarim was an unused substitute as the Blaugrana opened their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 rout of Feyenoord last week, which they followed up with a 4-2 victory over Levante on Sunday.

Having won all five of their matches so far to start their LaLiga title defence, Flick's side host Racing de Santander on Wednesday.