As reported by multiple outlets over the past week, FC Barcelona have taken an interest in Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Al Ahly.
The teenage prodigy has recently made his first-team breakthrough for the African giants, while he has also been impressing heavily on the international stage with the Egyptian U-17 team.
Hamza Abdelkarim wants Barcelona move
Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona expect to formalise the arrival of Hamza Abdelkarim before the end of the year.
The Blaugrana are confident of closing a loan deal with a purchase option in order to add him to the reserve team in early January, which would help to address the shortage of forwards at Barça Atletic.
Negotiations are moving forward, and the key factor appears to be the player’s determination to wear the Blaugrana colours, convinced that he can succeed in European football.
Barça have moved ahead of clubs such as Bayern Munich and AC Milan in the race for the Egyptian centre-forward.
Barcelona gave the green light to the signing after scouting him at the recent Under-17 World Cup held in Qatar. Club scouts were impressed by his goalscoring ability and began discussions, aware that many teams were interested in signing him.
Abdelkarim halted all other talks when the Catalans entered the picture, and in recent hours, his father has asked Al Ahly to let him leave.
Al Ahly open to Abdelkarim’s departure
The report further adds that Al Ahly are inclined to allow him to join Barcelona on loan, but want a solid financial return and a future percentage in case the Catalans decides to exercise the purchase option from June onwards.
The Egyptian club seek a fixed fee and performance-related add-ons, including bonuses, should he be promoted to the first team.
This potential structure mirrors the deal agreed for Pedri when he arrived from UD Las Palmas. Figures of this type are currently being discussed in order to find an agreement.
The report states that Barça have allegedly promised him a place in the first team pre-season next summer if he completes the move, something that has fully convinced the player and those around him.
Abdelkarim is a pure striker, a natural finisher who plays well with his back to goal and links easily with teammates. The forward turns 18 in January, which means he could join immediately.
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