Barcelona see opening bid rejected for highly rated 17-year-old talent | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim has hit its first real obstacle, but the operation is far from collapsing. 

According to a report from SPORT, the Egyptian giants have turned down Barça’s opening proposal for the youngster.

Barcelona initially approached the deal with caution. The club tabled a straightforward loan offer that included a purchase option worth €4 million, with additional bonuses tied to appearances and goals. 

However, Al-Ahly were not convinced that the structure reflected the true value of one of their most promising young assets. 

As a result, they rejected the first bid and made it clear that any agreement would require improved terms.

So what now?

Despite that setback, the atmosphere around the negotiations remains relatively positive. Both clubs believe a compromise can be reached, largely because the player himself is keen on the move. 

Hamza is understood to be pushing internally for Al-Ahly to soften their stance, aware that opportunities like this do not come often at his age. 

Hamza Abdelkarim is keen to move to Barcelona. (Photo credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)

Fully aware of Hamza’s potential, the Egyptian club wants stronger guarantees. 

This includes a higher fixed purchase option, a revised payment schedule, more favourable performance-related bonuses, and, crucially, a percentage of any future sale. 

For Barcelona, to close the deal, they will need to raise their offer, particularly the guaranteed fee. 

The club sees Hamza as a reinforcement for Barça Atletic, where he would play a key role in strengthening the attack while adapting to European football.

There is also a sporting incentive attached to the move. Internally, Hamza has been given assurances that if the purchase option is activated, he would be involved in the first team’s next pre-season under Hansi Flick. 

That promise has only increased the player’s determination to make the switch.