Al Ahly ‘likely to approve’ Barcelona’s improved offer for forward as new meeting scheduled | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s efforts to rope in Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly could be about to reap rewards.

The Catalans have been in talks with the African outfit to sign the 17-year-old striker with the plan of reinforcing the Barça Atletic roster, who are short on options in the No. 9 position.

The Blaugrana’s initial offers, however, have been met with rejections from Al Ahly, who see the youngster as one of the most talented young players from the region.

Breakthrough likely

But, according to the latest update from Mundo Deportivo, Al Ahly’s technical committee will meet in the coming hours, under the presidency of Mahmoud El Khatib, and that “it is very likely they will approve Barcelona’s offer”.

As per the report, the Catalan club have improved certain clauses in their offer as they await a definitive response, increasing the percentage of a future sale from 10% to 15%.

Juliano Belletti’s Barça Atletic set to be boosted with Abdelkarim’s signing. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

And, within the club, there is a belief that this could be the final proposal, with Al Ahly expected to green-light the proposal for a loan deal with a buy option.

Abdelkarim will turn 18 on 1 January and would therefore be eligible to move immediately. He would strengthen the attack of a Barça Atletic side that has seen both of its strikers, Victor Barbera and Oscar Gistau, suffer long-term injuries.

A left-footed centre-forward, Abdelkarim made his name at the Under-17 World Cup, impressing for Egypt.

The striker, however, had to be substituted in his most recent match for Al Ahly, after suffering a blow, causing concerns at Barcelona.

But the injury seemingly has not caused any ripple effects over his transfer, with a move now getting closer.