Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly made an official move to sign the 17-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly on loan for the remainder of the season.
Barcelona Move to Secure Al Ahly’s Rising Star as Forward Injuries Mount
The proposal is structured as a temporary switch with a purchase option, signaling Barcelona’s long-term interest in the highly rated forward.
The Catalan side plans to slot the youngster into their reserve team, Barça Atlètic (also known as Barcelona B), a decision driven by necessity.
Their reserve team has suffered a string of injuries to key forwards — with players like VÃctor Barberà , Ã’scar Gistau and Ibrahim Diarra all currently sidelined.
Sources close to negotiations, including journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, have confirmed that the interest is serious and the initial steps have already been taken.
Barcelona apparently moved fast after watching Abdelkarim’s performances at youth international level, including recent displays at the U-17 World Cup.
Hamza Abdelkarim is regarded as one of Africa’s brightest young talents. Despite his age, he already boasts senior exposure at Al Ahly, and more impressively, he has scored 12 goals in 19 appearances for Egypt’s U17 side — including goals at the World Cup.
Barcelona’s interest is no surprise given their long-standing tradition of nurturing young talent through their famed La Masia system.
With the club expected to face a transition in the striker department — slow-burning veteran forwards and an uncertain pipeline of replacements — the management see Abdelkarim as a promising future asset.
Al Ahly are currently evaluating the offer. While they recognize Abdelkarim’s potential, the club will weigh the immediate benefit of the loan against the long-term loss of one of Egypt’s hottest teenage prospects. Until they respond, the deal remains in limbo.
If this transfer goes through, Barcelona would not only strengthen their immediate attacking depth in their B-team, but also invest in a potential first-team forward for the long haul.
