Barcelona snap up Egyptian wonderkid Hamza Abdelkarim on loan with option to buy
The Al-Ahly striker joins Barça Atlètic on loan with a potential €3-5m permanent deal in the works, beating Bayern Munich to his signature.
Barcelona continue their winter transfer business with a shrewd move for the future, securing 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim on loan for their B team with an option to make the deal permanent.
Deal confirmed by Al-Ahly director
Walid Salah El-Din, Al-Ahly’s football director, has confirmed the move, saying: “Hamza Abdelkarim is going to Barcelona. I wish him success.”
The young striker joins Barça Atlètic (Barcelona’s B team) after months of negotiations between the clubs. The Catalans have secured an option to buy the promising talent for around €3 million, potentially rising to €5 million depending on performance variables.
Highly-rated prospect
Abdelkarim’s arrival is quite the coup for Barcelona, who’ve beaten several European heavyweights to his signature. Bayern Munich were among those interested in the Egyptian, but the youngster had his heart set on a move to Catalonia.
The striker made a name for himself at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, showcasing the kind of talent that had scouts from across Europe’s top clubs taking notice. He’s a proper centre-forward and has been marked as one to watch for the future.
What happens next?
- Abdelkarim has already said his goodbyes to teammates at Al-Ahly
- Official announcement expected this week
- Medical examination pending before his arrival in Barcelona
- Will initially play for Barcelona’s B team with pathway to first team
This is another example of Barça’s strategy of bringing in young talent with potential resale value – a bit of the old Bob’s your uncle when it comes to smart business in these financially challenging times for the club.