Hamza Abdelkarim’s impending move from Al Ahly to Barcelona has sparked growing excitement across Egyptian football, with respected youth coach Osama Zaki offering a detailed assessment of the teenager’s qualities and long-term potential.
Abdelkarim, regarded as one of the brightest attacking prospects to emerge from Al Ahly’s academy in recent years, is set to join the Spanish giants on loan after the Cairo club approved an improved offer during the ongoing winter transfer window.
The deal reflects Barcelona’s continued focus on recruiting young talent with high technical ceilings, while Al Ahly view the move as a strategic step in the player’s development rather than an immediate departure.
Abdelkarim’s rapid rise has been driven by consistent performances at youth level and a skill set that has drawn comparisons with some of Egypt’s most iconic forwards.
Why Barcelona see Abdelkarim as a long-term project
Osama Zaki, currently head coach of Saudi side Al Raed’s youth team and the man credited with discovering Abdelkarim, believes the move represents a major opportunity for the young striker.
“Barcelona are one of the best clubs in the world. They have a group of coaches who select players based on clear principles and technical ability, and they know how to adapt a player’s qualities to suit the club’s playing style,” Zaki said in comments to winwin.
Tactical versatility across the front line
Although naturally a central striker, Abdelkarim’s versatility has been a defining feature of his development.
Zaki revealed that the player was tested across the entire attacking line, a process that highlighted his tactical intelligence and adaptability.
“I followed the details of his move to Barcelona through the media. Hamza plays as a central striker, but I used him in all four attacking positions,” he explained, pointing to his effectiveness on both wings and in the number 10 role.
A rare blend of Egypt’s greatest forwards
Beyond positional flexibility, Abdelkarim’s overall attacking profile has set him apart from his peers. Zaki described him as a unique fusion of two classic Egyptian forward types, combining the intelligence and creativity associated with Mahmoud El Khatib and the pace and power that defined Hossam Hassan. He stressed that this balance gives the teenager significant scope for growth.
Mental strength and technical maturity
Technically, Abdelkarim is already considered unusually complete for his age, with strong two-footed ability, aerial presence and dribbling skills. Zaki also highlighted his emotional stability and fearlessness, recalling how the striker impressed when promoted to play above his age group.
Expectations remain cautious but optimistic as Abdelkarim prepares for a formative chapter in Spain, with both clubs viewing the move as a crucial step in shaping a potential future star.
