Barcelona in pole position to sign 17-year-old African attacking prodigy | OneFootball

Just a few weeks ago, reports first surfaced linking Barcelona with a growing interest in Hamza Abdelkarim, the 17-year-old scoring sensation from Al Ahly. 

At the time, the situation seemed uncertain – were the Catalans seriously pushing for the highly rated striker, or simply keeping him on a long-term watchlist? 

Now, new information from Mundo Deportivo has brought clarity, and it appears the La Liga champions are far more advanced in the race than initially believed.

What’s the story?

According to the latest update, Barcelona are now in pole position to secure the Egyptian talent, with the club reportedly edging closer to finalising an agreement. 

The outlet assures that if everything proceeds without complications, Abdelkarim is expected to join Barça Atletic in January, which would coincide with the striker’s 18th birthday.

It is said that scouts have been impressed by what they have seen so far. 

Abdelkarim is described as a physically imposing centre-forward, a classic target man with strong finishing ability and a commanding presence inside the box. 

Barcelona are close to signing Hamza Abdelkarim. (Photo credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)

While he is not yet polished in his link-up play outside the area, his goal-scoring instincts and raw potential have made him one of the standout teenagers emerging from African football.

Connection with Al Ahly

Barcelona’s connection with Al Ahly has also strengthened in recent months. In July, a high-ranking delegation from the Egyptian giants travelled to Barcelona. 

The group included club president Mahmoud El Khatib and Mohamed Kamel, president of Red Castle Company and head of Al Ahly’s ambitious new stadium project. 

That visit helped reinforce communication channels between both clubs.

For Barça Atletic, Abdelkarim’s potential arrival could not come at a better moment. 

The youth team is currently without a recognised striker, with Oscar Gistau and Victor Barbera both sidelined by injury. 

While Gistau is expected to return around mid-January, the addition of Abdelkarim would provide an immediate and much-needed boost to the squad.