Al-Ahly director confirms highly-rated forward's move to Barcelona: 'I wish him every success' | Barca Universal

"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."

"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."

"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."

Barcelona pursued 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim amid complex negotiations that briefly stalled when he refused to sign a short-term renewal with Al-Ahly before a loan. Al-Ahly's football director confirmed that the move is completed and wished the player success at Barcelona. The transfer is structured as a six-month loan with an initial €3 million purchase clause that can increase to €5 million through performance-based add-ons. The player has bid farewell to teammates and is expected to arrive in Catalonia next week for a formal unveiling. He will start with Barcelona B and may be promoted based on performances.

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