After Barcelona’s move for Hamza Abdelkarim, another Spanish club contacts Al Ahly for rising talent | OneFootball

Belal Attia is already attracting Spanish attention

After Barcelona’s move for Hamza Abdelkarim, another Spanish club contacts Al Ahly for rising talent

Spanish club Racing Santander reportedly asked Al Ahly about signing teenage midfielder Belal Attia during the winter transfer window.

Spanish interest in Al Ahly’s young playmaker

Reports in Egypt and Spain suggest that Racing Santander have made early contact with Al Ahly to explore possible move for highly rated young midfielder Belal Attia.

Egyptian outlet Yallakora said the Spanish club requested financial information linked to potential deal including the player’s contract situation, expected salary and whether transfer or loan could be possible.

Attia attracting European attention

Attia has been on the radar of European clubs for months.

The attacking midfielder previously drew interest from VfB Stuttgart during the summer and more recently spent trial period with Hannover 96.

Despite his young age, Attia has already made two first-team appearances for Al Ahly gaining early senior experience with one of Africa’s most successful clubs.

He is also well known for his performances with Egypt’s U17 national team where he played both the Africa Cup of Nations & the U17 World Cup earning praise for his technical quality and leadership.

Racing’s strategy: investing in youth

In Spain Racing Santander have built reputation for tracking emerging talent. With sporting director Chema Aragón leading recruitment, the club is believed to be focused on signing young players who can contribute directly to the first team.

Spanish reports describe Attia as creative midfielder with strong close control, intelligence on the ball and flair in attacking areas.

Some observers have even labeled him as possible future successor to Mohamed Salah at youth level although the player is still at the start of his career.

Racing are also said to have strong links with Egyptian football having previously taken part in youth tournaments in Cairo.

More Egyptian talent moving abroad

Interest in Attia comes at time when more young Egyptian players are being linked with European moves.

Barcelona's reserve team is also close to announcing the signing of Al Ahly striker Hamza Abdel Karim.