Barcelona have triggered the option to buy young forward Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly, the club confirmed. The 18-year-old Egyptian international has signed a contract with the Catalan club until June 30, 2029, after impressing during a loan spell with Barcelona’s U19 side. The transfer fee is reported by Spanish press to be €1.5 million.
Abdelkarim initially joined Barcelona in January, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the U19 team. He scored six goals in 11 matches in the U19 Championship, prompting the club to exercise their purchase option. The move represents a significant step in the young player’s career, bringing him closer to the first team.
Prior to his move to Barcelona, Abdelkarim developed through the Al Ahly academy in Cairo, one of the most prestigious footballing institutions in Egypt. He has already begun to represent the Egyptian national team, earning his first caps in recent friendlies against Belgium and New Zealand. Abdelkarim came on as a substitute in both matches, gaining valuable international experience.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly considering integrating Abdelkarim into the first-team squad for pre-season training, according to multiple Catalan media outlets. This potential opportunity arises following the departure of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, creating a vacancy in Barcelona’s attacking options. Abdelkarim’s early success at the club has already earned him recognition from national team coach Hossam Hassan, and a strong pre-season could see him challenge for a place in the senior squad. The signing offers Barcelona a promising young talent with potential for growth, while providing Abdelkarim with a platform to develop his skills at one of Europe’s top clubs.
