Egypt set to hand Brighton youngster Younes Ibrahim first senior call-up

Egypt are reportedly close to handing Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Younes Ibrahim a senior national team call-up ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.

The 18-year-old has emerged as a potential addition to the Pharaohs squad after completing the necessary paperwork to represent Egypt, with head coach Hossam Hassan now expected to make the final decision on his inclusion.

According to Egyptian outlet Batolat, a source disclosed that Ibrahim is ready to join the national team and has expressed his willingness to represent the North African country. However, Hassan has not yet formally requested the player’s inclusion in the squad.

Ibrahim’s potential invitation comes after he took an important step in his development at Brighton, having been promoted to the club’s first team this season.

The young prospect subsequently made his official debut against Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris in the UEFA Conference League, providing an assist in Brighton’s 4-0 victory on Thursday.

His involvement in the first team represents an important milestone for the teenager, who is now attracting attention as a possible option for Egypt’s senior national side.

Should Hassan decide to include him in the squad, Ibrahim would have an opportunity to begin his international career while continuing to develop in English football.

The Egyptian technical team are preparing for two crucial encounters against Malawi during the November international break, with the fixtures forming part of the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Egypt are currently top of Group B, which also features Angola, Malawi and South Sudan, with four points from their opening matches.

The possible inclusion of Ibrahim would give Hassan another young prospect to assess as Egypt continue their qualifying campaign. However, despite the reported progress in completing the player’s paperwork, his first senior call-up remains subject to the coach’s final decision.