Hamza Abdelkarim, Al Ahly player
Picture credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim
Barcelona can finally relax after securing the signing of Hamza Abdelkarim, a move that had required patience, calm negotiation and, above all, the player’s desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt.
According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club completed the operation on Thursday, putting an end to days of uncertainty around the future of the highly rated Egyptian forward.
The agreement sees the 18-year-old striker arrive from Al-Ahly on loan until the end of the season.
Crucially for Barcelona, the deal includes an option to buy that will not exceed €3 million, although the final figure could rise to €5 million depending on performance-related variables.
In the current financial context at Camp Nou, this structure is viewed internally as both sensible and low risk.
Notably, the operation was far from straightforward, as Al-Ahly were keen to renew Abdelkarim’s contract before allowing him to leave, a stance that initially blocked progress and created an impasse between the two clubs.
Hamza Abdelkarim, Al Ahly player
Barcelona have completed the signing of Hamza Abdelkarim. (Picture credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)
However, Barcelona never fully stepped away from the negotiations, convinced that the profile of the player fit perfectly with their long-term sporting strategy.
What ultimately tipped the balance was the player himself. Abdelkarim was determined to make the move, believing that Barcelona represents the ideal environment for young footballers to grow.
The striker is aware that at Barça, youth is not a barrier but an opportunity, especially for players who prove their quality and consistency.
Over the past few days, both clubs focused on converting the verbal agreement into formal contracts.
That final step was completed yesterday, allowing Barcelona to close the deal before any late twists.
The next stage is largely procedural, with official announcements pending and the player expected to travel to Barcelona shortly to undergo his medical examination.