Barcelona’s move for 17-year-old African talent meets sudden roadblock after formal proposal | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of one of Africa’s most exciting young attacking prospects has taken a complicated turn, as fresh reporting from SPORT indicates that Al-Ahly are unwilling to ease negotiations for 17-year-old forward Hamza Abdelkarim. 

The Catalan club have identified the teenager as their top priority for January, yet despite their firm approach, the Egyptian giants are proving to be a major obstacle.

It must be remembered that Barça Atletic find themselves in a delicate situation. 

With both Vitor Barbera and Oscar Gistau sidelined for the long term after undergoing surgery, the team urgently needs a new striker capable of offering immediate impact. 

The scouting department has been working intensively to find a suitable replacement, and Abdelkarim has emerged as the standout profile.

But there is a problem

It is said that Barcelona have already submitted a formal proposal to Al-Ahly, structured as a loan with an option to buy. 

Barcelona are facing complications in signing Hamza Abdelkarim. (Photo credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)

However, the Egyptian club has closed the door on a sale for now. They are not only resistant to Barça’s proposal but are also aware that they hold an in-demand asset.

Al-Ahly have received financially superior offers from other European clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Lyon and Bayern Munich. 

They feel that they do not need to sell the player and view him as the greatest emerging talent in Egypt and one of the most promising young strikers in Africa. 

Even so, they recognise that the player’s contract, which expires in just 18 months, weakens their long-term leverage. 

What complicates matters further is the player’s own desire. Sources close to Abdelkarim indicate that his preferred destination is Barcelona, and he intends to join the club immediately. 

He sees Barça as the ideal environment for his development and is eager to pursue his dream at the club he has long admired. Still, the final decision rests with Al-Ahly, who are currently appearing reluctant.