Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdel Karim will have to wait longer than expected to make his debut for Barcelona Athletic, as bureaucratic hurdles surrounding his paperwork continue to delay his registration.
The 18-year-old attacker, who joined the club in the recently concluded winter transfer window was expected to feature in the team’s upcoming matches. However, administrative complications linked to international transfer documentation have forced the club to postpone his debut for several months.
While Abdel Karim has impressed in training sessions and has quickly adapted to the team’s style, the delay is entirely administrative and not related to his fitness or performance.
Barcelona will not be able to rely on Hamza Abdel Karim for approximately two months, and in the best of circumstances it will be after only a month and a half, as he is a player from outside the European Union.
For now, Abdel Karim will have to join the team with the younger age group (under 19 years old) until all his paperwork is completed.
The enterprising attacker became the first Egyptian player to join Barcelona after completing his loan switch in the winter from Al Ahly.
The Egyptian youth national team striker showed a good level with the young Pharaohs, prompting Barcelona to capture his signature to their second team.
This delay highlights the challenges young international talents often face when moving abroad, where paperwork and regulatory procedures can unexpectedly stall promising careers.
For Abdel Karim, the wait may be frustrating, but the opportunity to shine at one of Europe’s most prestigious football academies remains very much alive.
