Work permit breakthrough for Barcelona youngster Hamza Abdelkarim

​Barcelona are close to finally resolving the work permit issue that has delayed young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim’s debut for the club’s reserve team.

The 19-year-old joined Barça Atlètic on a six-month loan from Al Ahly in the winter transfer window, with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Since arriving in Spain, Abdelkarim has been unable to play competitively due to delays in obtaining his work permit and completing his registration, keeping him out of matchday squads for several weeks.

In an effort to speed up the process, the player recently returned to Egypt to finalise administrative paperwork in coordination with Barcelona’s management.

One solution being considered is to register him temporarily with the youth team instead of the reserves, as that route is legally and administratively easier while the rest of the documents are completed.

Moroccan journalist Ashraf Ben Ayad, who is close to the club, reported that the permit “will be issued within a few days,” allowing Abdelkarim to train and play officially without legal obstacles. Barcelona will then evaluate his performances on the pitch before deciding whether to trigger the purchase option in his deal.
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