Administrative delay holding up Barcelona’s move for highly-rated African talent | OneFootball

It is known that Barcelona are working to finalise the signing of promising Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, although official confirmation of the move has yet to arrive. 

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, optimism remains high within the club, even if certain administrative hurdles are temporarily slowing the process.

Barça Atlètic are expected to strengthen their squad this month, but several of their planned reinforcements are still waiting to be made official. 

Alongside names such as Juwensley Onstein and Patricio Pacifico, Abdelkarim has been one of the most discussed prospects, with negotiations stretching on for longer than initially anticipated.

What’s the latest?

Reports from Egypt suggest that the 18-year-old Al Ahly striker’s move to Barcelona is already considered a certainty. 

However, as per the aforementioned outlet, sources close to Barcelona are taking a more cautious stance, acknowledging that paperwork and administrative details are preventing the club from making any formal announcement for now.

This contrast has created two different stories around the transfer. In Egypt, confidence is extremely high, with the deal viewed as effectively completed. 

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

In Barcelona, however, the club are careful not to rush communication until every detail is finalised. 

That cautious approach explains the silence, rather than any doubts over the player or the agreement itself.

The move is indeed complete

The belief that the move is progressing well was reinforced when Waleed Salah El-Din, Al-Ahly’s director of football, publicly stated that Abdelkarim was heading to Barcelona. 

The current plan points towards a loan move until the end of the season, with Barcelona holding an option to buy. 

That option is expected to be set at no more than €3 million, although performance-related bonuses could increase the total package to around €5 million. 

Further evidence that the transfer is nearing completion is Abdelkarim’s farewell to his teammates at Al-Ahly, a step that typically signals an imminent departure.