Barcelona poised to secure full ownership of Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim
The club is expected to exercise a €3 million purchase option for the 18-year-old forward, who has already earned a call-up to the Egypt national team for the upcoming World Cup.
FC Barcelona is anticipated to activate a €3 million purchase option for 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, a move that would secure full ownership of the La Masia academy graduate. The decision follows a short but impactful tenure for the striker, who arrived at the club earlier this year and has recorded six goals in his first ten matches.
While technically gifted attackers are a common output from the club’s youth structure, sporting officials have identified Abdelkarim as offering a specific profile that has been absent for several years: a genuine penalty-box reference point. This distinct attribute has generated significant internal confidence regarding his long-term utility within the squad.
The player’s rapid integration into the first-team environment is scheduled to commence following his international duties. Abdelkarim has been called up to the Egypt national team for the upcoming World Cup and is expected to join the first team for pre-season training under manager Hansi Flick immediately after his commitments with the national side conclude.
Flick has established a clear precedent that training performance outweighs reputation or age, a policy that directly influences the integration of young talent. Consequently, Abdelkarim’s immediate future will be determined by his assessments in training, with the manager retaining final authority over his role in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 campaign, the club has outlined a plan for Abdelkarim to feature prominently for Barça Atlètic as the reserve side seeks promotion to the First RFEF. Internal discussions also suggest a potential attacking partnership with Oscar Gistau, which would introduce healthy competition within the forward line.
