Barcelona back Hamza Abdelkarim after Egypt World Cup call-up

Barcelona are said to have high hopes for Hamza Abdelkarim after the Egyptian teenager earned a surprise call-up to his country’s senior World Cup squad.

The news has boosted his profile at a time when the club is already considering whether to activate the buy option in his loan deal.

Abdelkarim has impressed quickly since joining Barcelona’s Juvenil A side on loan from Al Ahly in the winter window. His progress has been strong enough to put him firmly on the club’s radar, with sources suggesting the €3 million clause is likely to be triggered.

The final decision still rests with director Jose Ramon Alexanko, but the mood at Barcelona appears positive. The call-up also gives Abdelkarim a major opportunity to gain experience on the biggest stage, where he will be around established stars such as Mohamed Salah.

For Egypt, his inclusion adds another fresh storyline to a World Cup squad already drawing plenty of attention. For Barcelona, it underlines the potential they believe the young striker can bring in the years ahead.