Al-Ahly director confirms highly-rated forward’s move to Barcelona: ‘I wish him every success’ | OneFootball

Barcelona have been heavily linked with Egypt’s young forward talent Hamza Abdelkarim in recent days with the deal taking several unexpected turns.

While an agreement initially appeared set in stone, talks reached a standstill after the player refused to sign even a short-term contract renewal with his club Al-Ahly before the loan move to Barcelona.

Seemingly, however, that hurdle was subsequently overcome with word coming out that the deal was even completed. No official confirmation of the same, however, has followed.

Al-Ahly official confirms the deal

Hamza is expected in Barcelona next week. (Picture credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)

Speaking to the media via Mundo Deportivo earlier today, Walid Salah El-Din, the football director of Al-Ahly, confirmed that the youngster’s move to Barcelona is a done deal.

“Yes, Hamza Abdelkarim is going to Barcelona,” he said, clarifying the entire situation.

“I wish him every success so that he can continue his career there, establish himself at Barça, and not return to Egypt,” he added, showing respect for youngster’s decision.

While an official confirmation is still awaited from both the Egyptian side and Barcelona’s end, the statements of the club official can be considered as close to such a development as possible.

As matters stand, the 18-year-old striker will arrive at Barcelona on loan for six months. Barcelona will have a purchase clause set at just €3 million which may go as high as €5 million based on performance-based add-ons.

The player, for his part, has already bid farewell to his teammates and is expected to land in Catalonia next week for his formal unveiling as a Barcelona player. He will begin playing for the B team, with a promotion slated based on his performances.