FC Barcelona has taken a major step toward future-proofing its attack by finalizing a deal for Al Ahly’s teenage sensation, Hamza Abdelkarim.
After weeks of intricate behind-the-scenes negotiations and bureaucratic hurdles, the 18-year-old striker is officially set to make history as the first Egyptian player to join the Catalan giants.
The news was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who issued his signature “Here We Go” on Friday, signaling that all terms have been agreed upon between Barcelona and Al Ahly.
The Financial Framework of the Barcelona-Al Ahly Agreement
Barcelona has secured a low-risk, high-reward agreement to bring the Egyptian talent to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
The deal is structured as an initial loan, allowing the club to evaluate the player’s adaptation to European football before committing to a permanent transfer.
- Loan Fee: €0 (Barcelona will pay no upfront fee for the loan period).
- Purchase Option: Set at €3 million, which could rise to €5 million based on performance-related milestones and bonuses.
- Initial Squad: Abdelkarim will join Barça Atlètic (the reserve team) to begin his integration under the guidance of Juliano Belletti.
Overcoming the Red Tape
While the interest from the Blaugrana was clear as early as late December, the move faced significant delays due to the complexities of securing a Spanish work visa and residency permits. These administrative “roadblocks” have now been fully cleared.
Abdelkarim has already bid an emotional farewell to his teammates at Al Ahly and is scheduled to fly to Spain this Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Upon arrival, he will undergo a standard medical examination before officially putting pen to paper.
A Historic Milestone for Egyptian Football
The confirmation of this move marks a milestone for Egyptian sports.
Al Ahly’s director of football, Waleed Salah El-Din, previously voiced his pride in the transfer, noting that the agreement was merely a matter of time once the paperwork was in order.
By joining one of the most prestigious clubs in world football, Abdelkarim follows in the footsteps of national icons but carves out his own path as the pioneer Egyptian to wear the famous Blaugrana colors.
