Ahly’s football director, Waleed Salah El-Din, confirmed on Saturday that the Cairo giants had finalised the transfer of the 18-year-old forward following weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.
Speaking to ON Sport, Waleed Salah stated that Abdel Karim had completed all contractual procedures and would travel to Spain in the coming days once visa formalities were concluded. “Hamza Abdel Karim has completed his move to Barcelona. I wish him success there,” he said.
Ahly renewed the striker’s contract before approving the deal, which sees Abdel Karim join Barcelona’s reserve side, Barça Atlètic, on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
According to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, the purchase option has been set at 1.5 million euros, up from an earlier 1.25 million euros, reflecting Ahly’s insistence on securing improved terms for one of the club’s most highly rated prospects.
The deal also includes performance-related incentives linked to the player’s appearances and development at the Catalan club, which could raise the total value of the transfer to as much as five million euros, up from an initial three million euros. In addition, Ahly secured a 15 percent sell-on clause, an increase from the 10 percent first proposed.
Born on 1 January 2008, Abdel Karim is a product of Ahly’s youth academies and quickly emerged as one of the hottest talents of his generation.
He produced a strong performance with Egypt U-17 during the category's World Cup, catching the eyes of Barcelona scouts.
He made his senior debut in February 2025, but struggled to reserve a regular place with the team. He featured in the club’s last six League Cup matches without scoring.
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