Barcelona secure exciting €3m Egyptian striker in a surprise winter signing that adds fresh attacking depth to Hansi Flick’s squad.
Fabrizio Romano confirms the deal is nearly finalized after minor negotiation hiccups, with the 18-year-old arriving on loan until season’s end and a €3m buy option plus €5m variables signaling serious long-term intent.
Amid Cancelo’s arrival and academy injury crises, this calculated swoop underscores Deco’s youth recruitment drive for Barça Atlètic’s promotion push.
That striker is Hamza Abdelkarim, Al Ahly’s prolific centre-forward, tracked by Barcelona since his U17 World Cup exploits.
The Cairo-born talent, who accepted the Blaugrana dream “very early,” overcame contractual snags to greenlight the transfer, joining Juliano Belletti’s side immediately rather than the senior squad.
His clinical finishing, physicality, and aerial presence have convinced scouts he’s no mere project—potentially activating that purchase clause by summer if he adapts swiftly to European demands.
For Barça Atlètic, reeling from attacking injuries and departures like Andrés Cuenca, Abdelkarim represents vital firepower.
His Al Ahly record—double-digit goals in youth ranks—promises immediate impact in Primera RFEF, where promotion remains the priority.
Barcelona’s model thrives on such low-risk, high-reward loans: monitor, develop, integrate.
Financial Fair Play constraints at the reserve level necessitated the structure, with Mbacké and Cuenca exits creating wage room.
Abdelkarim’s journey mirrors La Masia’s global net—U17 stardom to Ciutat Esportiva—facing cultural and competitive leaps but backed by a pathway echoing Yamal or Cubarsí.
Al Ahly’s extension safeguards their asset should Barça pass, yet Romano’s “very close” verdict points to imminent travel.
This €3m gamble could unearth Lewandowski’s distant heir or solidify midfield supply. In Flick’s youth-embracing system, Abdelkarim’s arrival tests if Egyptian flair translates to Catalan dominance.
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