Barcelona to sign Egyptian teen Hamza Abdelkarim permanently

Barcelona have agreed to sign Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim on a permanent basis. The club will pay around €1.5 million plus variables for the 18‑year‑old. Abdelkarim arrived on loan in February to join Barcelona’s Juvenil A side, and Al Ahly have already confirmed the agreement. In 11 matches for the youth team, Abdelkarim scored eight goals across the league and the Copa de Campeones. He also impressed at the Under‑17 World Cup, netting two goals, providing an assist and captaining Egypt against England. The forward’s profile is described as mobile, two‑footed, with good movement, finishing instinct and the ability to attack space. Abdelkarim previously featured for Al Ahly’s first team at 17 and has already been called up to Egypt’s senior squad for the World Cup at 18. Those experiences, combined with his maturity, convinced Barcelona of his mentality. He has followed the club since childhood and has made a real effort to adapt to the city, dressing room and Barça style. The next step is a pre‑season with Hansi Flick’s first‑team squad, giving staff a chance to assess his readiness. Barcelona stress that he is not being rushed and that expectations must remain realistic. If he performs well, the €1.5 million deal could be regarded as a smart youth‑market move.