Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed fresh developments in the long-running transfer saga of Egyptian starlet Hamza Abdel Karim from Al Ahly to Barcelona, confirming that negotiations are back on after a recent pause.
Barcelona had already reached an agreement with the youngster weeks ago, but talks with Al Ahly stalled before being revived in recent days.
Romano stated via his account on platform X that Barcelona have officially reopened discussions with the Cairo giants to complete the deal. The Catalan club is now very close to securing Abdelkarim, with the plan for him to join Barcelona B initially as part of a structured pathway to eventually reach the first team.
Catalan newspaper “Mundo Deportivo” reported that the young forward must first obtain a work permit in Spain and a visa to travel to Barcelona. These administrative procedures could take several more days, meaning the official announcement of a loan with option to buy is expected before the end of the month.
Within the club, Barcelona Athletic officials are also monitoring the likely departure of Mamadou Mbacke, who is tipped to join MLS side St. Louis City. That move would free up one of the highest salaries in the reserve-team squad and create ideal financial and sporting conditions for Abdelkarim’s arrival.
For both Barcelona and Al Ahly, this deal has turned into a marathon process marked by setbacks, renewed contacts and careful planning around regulations and squad building. If all remaining obstacles are cleared, Abdel Karim will become the latest Egyptian talent to make the leap to European football through one of the world’s biggest clubs.
