Official: Barcelona complete permanent signing of Egyptian wonderkid | OneFootball

Barcelona have officially secured the future of one of their most promising young prospects after activating the purchase option in Hamza Abdelkarim’s loan agreement with Al Ahly.

The Egyptian attacker arrived in Catalonia during the January transfer window and, despite spending only a few months at the club, has done enough to convince Barcelona that he deserves a long-term place in their project. 

The deal has now been completed for €1.5 million plus add-ons, with Al Ahly confirming the transfer through an official statement.

The Egyptian giants announced that Barcelona had decided to make the move permanent after monitoring the youngster’s progress during his loan spell.

In their statement, Al Ahly confirmed: “Spanish club Barcelona requests to activate Hamza Abdelkarim’s buyout clause.”

Barcelona impressed with Abdelkarim

The 18-year-old initially joined on loan until June 30 and spent his time developing within Barcelona’s youth structure. 

While he featured under Pol Planas rather than making headlines at the senior level, his performances clearly left a strong impression behind the scenes.

Barcelona’s recruitment department has made a habit of identifying young talent from around the world, and Abdelkarim appears to be another player they believe can develop into an important asset in the coming years. 

Given the relatively modest fee involved and the club’s faith in his potential, the decision to activate the clause was ultimately straightforward.

So what now?

It must be noted that Barcelona are not bringing Abdelkarim in as an immediate first-team solution. 

Hamza Abdelkarim has permanently signed for Barcelona (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Instead, this is an investment in a player they believe can continue growing within the club’s system, although he is likely to be a part of the pre-season squad under Hansi Flick.

The teenager already enjoys a strong reputation in Egypt and is considered one of the country’s brightest young footballers. 

Perhaps the biggest indication of the confidence placed in him comes ahead of the upcoming World Cup, where Abdelkarim is expected to wear the famous No.9 shirt for Egypt. 

That responsibility at just 18 years of age shows just how highly he is regarded in his homeland.