Barcelona are now firmly in pole position to sign Hamza Abdelkarim, the highly rated 17-year-old striker from Al Ahly.
Initial reports linking Barcelona with Al Ahly forward Hamza Abdelkarim surfaced a few weeks ago. But the extent of their interest remained unclear. That uncertainty now appears to be over.
However, per the latest update from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are actively working to finalize an agreement with Al Ahly for Hamza Abdelkarim. If all goes according to plan, the forward is expected to join Barça Atletic, the club’s B team, in January.
Scouts have reportedly been impressed by Abdelkarim’s physicality and finishing ability. A traditional centre-forward, he stands out as a powerful presence inside the box, known for his strength, movement, and goal-scoring instinct, attributes that Barcelona believe can significantly bolster their youth setup.
The growing ties between Barcelona and Al Ahly may also be playing a role in facilitating the deal. Back in July, a senior Al Ahly delegation, including club president Mahmoud El Khatib and Mohamed Kamel, president of Red Castle Company, visited Barcelona, further strengthening the relationship between the two institutions.
For Barça Atletic, the timing of Abdelkarim’s potential arrival could not be better. The team is currently without a fit striker, with both Oscar Gistau and Victor Barbera sidelined due to injury. While Gistau is expected to return around mid-January, Hamza Abdelkarim’s addition would provide an immediate and much-needed attacking boost.