Hamza Abdel Karim completed his move to Barcelona on Thursday, joining on loan from Al Ahly, becoming the first Egyptian player in history to wear the Catalan club’s jersey.
The 18-year-old had been on Barcelona’s radar since last December, with negotiations beginning with Al Ahly for his immediate transfer to Barça B. However, the hefty financial demands of Mahmoud El Khatib’s administration caused a lengthy delay.
After Al Ahly reached a preliminary agreement with Barcelona, the Egyptian club stipulated that the player extend his contract for three years before the loan move, while his father and agent insisted on a one-year extension.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Hamza Abdel Karim will ultimately renew with Al Ahly for another year before flying to Barcelona, where the Catalan club has finalized all the paperwork for the deal. He will then sign the contract and begin his career at Camp Nou.
Hamza will sign a loan deal with Barcelona until the end of the current season, with an option to buy him for a base fee of €3 million. This fee could rise to €5 million with performance-related bonuses such as appearances, goals, or promotion to the first team.
The Egyptian international will travel to Barcelona within hours to undergo a medical and finalize the necessary paperwork before beginning his career with Barcelona B, hoping to fill the gap in the attacking positions left by recent injuries.
