Hamza Abdelkarim impressed for Egypt at the FIFA U17 World Cup last month. The youngster has attracted interest from Manchester City but Barcelona are now a likely destination.
Sport in Spain report that competition for the 17-year-old striker has been fierce.
Manchester City contacted his club El Ahly to express their interest and so did Bayern Munich, Lyon and AC Milan. By that time, Barcelona had already made their move and it’s claimed a ‘deal is well underway’.
The Catalan newspaper report the teenager has signed up with a European agency. This is to make sure that a move to Barcelona goes through.
The striker is very keen on the move, even though El Ahly have been hesitant on letting him leave. Barcelona are expected to land Abdelkarim on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
Manchester City haven’t just been late in the move. The player himself is pushing to move to Barcelona, with Bayern Munich having tried to sign him last summer.
The youngster scored two goals at the U17s World Cup in November, assisting once. Despite his age, Abdelkarim has already played two senior games for El Ahly.