Barcelona have reached an agreement with Al Ahly to sign promising Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim for their reserve side, Barcelona Atlètic, in the current winter transfer window.
The move comes after weeks of complex talks that turned the teenager into one of the most talked, about names of the window.
Spanish outlet Sport reported that negotiations over the transfer fee and add-ons were tough, with both clubs locked in continuous discussions before finally finding common ground. Barcelona are now reviewing the final documents before giving the green light to complete the signing of what the paper described as “one of the most promising forwards in Egyptian and African football.”
Abdelkarim, who turned 18 on January 1, shone for Egypt at the recent Under-17 World Cup, scoring two goals and providing one assist in four matches.
Bureaucratic hurdles had delayed the deal, with Barcelona waiting five days for key paperwork from Al Ahly and even considering walking away at one stage because of the administrative complications.
The situation has now been resolved by extending the player’s contract with Al Ahly for an extra season. This ensures the Cairo giants retain control if Barcelona ultimately decide not to activate their purchase option, set at 3 million euros plus a possible 5 million euros in variables.
Once the agreement is signed by all parties, Abdelkarim will travel to Spain to join Juliano Belletti’s Barcelona Atlètic squad in training. He will bolster an attack hit hard by injuries to Víctor Barberá and Óscar Ureña, giving the Catalan club a fresh, hungry option for the second half of the season.
