Barcelona wonderkid’s transfer sparks dispute as former club files complaint over €1.5 million deal | OneFootball

Barcelona’s recent signing of Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim was supposed to be a regular youth acquisition. Instead, the transfer has become the centre of an unexpected dispute in Egyptian football.

The Catalan giants recently activated their €1.5 million option to secure the teenager on a permanent basis from Al Ahly.

However, according to reports emerging from Egypt, the deal has now become the subject of a formal complaint after one of Abdelkarim’s former clubs claimed it is entitled to a share of the transfer fee under football’s solidarity payment regulations.

Former club demands share of Barcelona transfer fee

According to SPORT, at the heart of the dispute is Al-Kom Al-Ahmar, a club that previously played a role in Abdelkarim’s development before his rise through Egyptian football.

The club’s football director, Diaa Bahgat, has publicly argued that Al-Kom Al-Ahmar should receive a percentage of the transfer amount agreed between Barcelona and Al Ahly.

Barcelona have completed permanent signing of Hamza Abdelkarim. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“The paperwork is fully in order, with the player’s signature, his father’s signature and his father’s fingerprint.”

The complaint has been submitted to the Egyptian Football Federation, with the club seeking recognition of its rights under the solidarity mechanism, a system designed to reward clubs involved in the development of young players, just as Barcelona will be rewarded for Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.

Luckily for Barcelona, despite the legal challenge, Bahgat insisted the club’s actions are not intended to create problems for the player.

“Hamza Abdel Karim is like my little brother, but we have to protect the club’s rights, and we are entitled to this, as stipulated by the Football Federation.”

Growing attention forces public response

Hamza Abdelkarim’s former club is demanding compensation. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

As the story gained traction across Egyptian media, the increasing attention surrounding the dispute prompted Al-Kom Al-Ahmar to release an official statement.

The club urged supporters to avoid creating unnecessary distractions for the young forward, who is currently experiencing one of the most important moments of his career.

In its statement, the club stressed that it trusted the legal process and maintained confidence that any money owed would eventually be received without affecting the player’s development.

“As for the Al-Kom Al-Ahmar Youth Centre, which I have the honour of leading, if it is entitled to the financial rights due to it under current laws and regulations, we are confident of securing them, as we are dealing with Al-Ahly Club, a club of high principles.”

Simply put, the message was intended to reduce speculation and ensure the focus remains on football rather than off-field disagreements.