Al Ahly have confirmed that highly rated teenager Hamza Abdelkarim is set to complete a move to Barcelona after an agreement was reached between the two clubs.
The 18-year-old striker is expected to travel to Spain imminently for a medical before finalising the paperwork that will formalise his switch to Camp Nou.
The confirmation came from Al Ahly sports director Walid Salah El-Din, who acknowledged that negotiations had concluded successfully and that the player is now preparing for a significant leap in his young career. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, El-Din said: “Yes, Hamza Abdelkarim goes to Barcelona.
“I wish him every success so he can continue his career there, establish himself with Barça and not return to Egypt.”
Under the terms of the deal, Abdelkarim will initially link up with Barça Atlètic on loan until the end of the season.
The agreement includes an option for Barcelona to make the move permanent in June, giving the Spanish club time to assess his development within their system before committing to a full transfer.
Despite his age, Abdelkarim has already accumulated valuable senior experience with Al Ahly, making nine first-team appearances in a demanding environment where opportunities for young players are often limited.
Those outings have been enough to attract interest from Europe, with Barcelona moving decisively to secure his signature as part of their continued focus on recruiting emerging talent.
For Al Ahly, the transfer represents another example of the club’s ability to develop players capable of drawing attention from elite European sides.
While Abdelkarim’s departure will be felt, the Egyptian champions appear satisfied that the pathway offered by Barcelona provides the forward with an ideal platform to fulfil his potential.
The move now places Abdelkarim at one of world football’s most scrutinised development hubs. If he adapts quickly to the tactical and technical demands in Spain, the teenager could position himself for a long-term future at Barcelona, turning a promising start in Cairo into a career on the continental stage.
