FC Barcelona set to finalise work permit for Hamza Abdelkarim

Barcelona are close to resolving the administrative issues that delayed the integration of their Egyptian signing Hamza Abdelkarim, with the player’s work permit now reportedly in its final stages of approval.

The young striker joined the Catalan side on loan from Al Ahly SC in January. However, incomplete documentation and pending residency requirements forced him to return temporarily to Egypt shortly after the move was agreed.

Despite the setback, Abdelkarim remained in peak condition by training at facilities provided by the Egyptian Football Association.

He followed a personalised fitness and tactical programme designed by Barcelona’s technical staff to ensure he stayed aligned with the club’s expectations.

Recent developments suggest a breakthrough has been achieved. The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed that Barcelona have requested the player’s immediate return to Spain, as most of the formalities tied to his residency and work authorisation have been completed. Abdelkarim’s presence is now required to finalise the remaining procedures.

While initial projections indicated that the process could take up to three months, authorities appear to have accelerated the paperwork, significantly shortening the expected timeline.

Abdelkarim’s loan deal includes a purchase option valued at 1.5 million euros. Performance-related bonuses could push the total cost of a permanent transfer up by an additional three million euros, underlining Barcelona’s long-term interest in the promising forward.