Barcelona Signs Egyptian Teen Hamza Abdelkarim Permanently for €1.5M
FC Barcelona has activated the €1.5 million purchase option for 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly, making his loan permanent. The young forward, who impressed at Barcelona’s youth academy, is now preparing with Egypt’s national team for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Barcelona views him as a low-risk, high-reward investment and plans to include him in first-team preseason.
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Hamza Abdelkarim Plays in All Three World Cup Group Stage Matches for Egypt
Just two months after winning the Youth Honor Division Group 3 title with Barcelona and subsequently losing the Youth Champions Cup final to Real Madrid, 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim has played all three group stage matches of the 2026 World Cup with Egypt's senior national team. Coach Hossam Hassan showed confidence in the young player, giving him over 60 minutes across the matches against Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran. Egypt secured five points from the group stage with draws against Belgium and Iran, and a win against New Zealand, sealing qualification for the round of 32 where they will face Australia. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona exercised a purchase option for the player on June 23, paying 1.5 million euros plus variables, signing him for three seasons after he had already been playing for Barcelona's Juvenil A team.
FútbolBarcelona's New Signing Hamza Goes Viral, Surpasses Salah in Egyptian Search Popularity
According to Diario Sport, 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, a new Barcelona signing, has become a social media phenomenon. After joining Barcelona from Al Ahly for a €1.5 million buyout clause and debuting for Egypt in the 2026 World Cup, his Instagram followers surged from 300,000 to nearly 985,000. In early June, his search volume in Egypt briefly surpassed that of Mohamed Salah. Hamza's popularity spiked further after scoring for Barcelona's Juvenil A team, securing a Nike sponsorship, and being mentored by Salah, who chose him as his national team roommate. Since the World Cup, his search volume increased by 27%, outpacing some established players. Hamza continues to perform well in World Cup matches, including against Belgium and New Zealand, driving sustained online growth.
虎扑 - 足球FC Barcelona Activates Purchase Option for Egyptian Striker Hamza Abdelkarim
FC Barcelona has exercised its purchase option for 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who was on loan from Al Ahly. Since joining Barça's U19 team in January, Abdelkarim scored 6 goals in 11 matches, convincing the club to pay an estimated €1.5 million buy option. He has signed a contract until June 30, 2029. The young forward has also been called up to Egypt's national team for the 2026 World Cup, appearing as a substitute in their first two group matches against Belgium (1-1 draw) and New Zealand (3-1 win). Reports suggest he may be tested by first-team coach Hansi Flick during preseason, especially with the potential departure of Robert Lewandowski.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footBarcelona Exercises Purchase Option for Egyptian Striker Hamza Abdelkarim
FC Barcelona has exercised its purchase option for 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who was on loan from Al Ahly and played for Barcelona's U19 team since January. Impressed by his six goals in 11 U19 league matches, Barcelona paid an estimated €1.5 million buy option and signed him for three seasons until June 30, 2029. The young forward is currently participating in the 2026 World Cup with Egypt, having come off the bench in draws against Belgium and New Zealand. Catalan media report he may be tested by first-team coach Hansi Flick during the preseason, especially with Robert Lewandowski's expected departure.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footFC Barcelona Exercises Purchase Option for Egyptian Striker Hamza Abdelkarim
FC Barcelona has activated the purchase option for 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who was on loan from Al Ahly and playing for the club's U19 team since January. Convinced by his six goals in 11 league matches, Barcelona will pay an estimated €1.5 million. He signed a three-year contract through June 2029. Abdelkarim, an Egyptian international, recently appeared as a substitute in Egypt's first two 2026 World Cup matches against Belgium (1-1) and New Zealand (3-1). Catalan media report he may be tested by first-team coach Hansi Flick during pre-season, especially given Robert Lewandowski's expected departure.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footOfficial: Hamza Abdelkarim Signs With Barcelona Until 2029
Barcelona has officially exercised its purchase option for Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, signing him permanently from Al Ahly for 1.5 million euros. The 18-year-old joins Barça on a three-season contract until June 30, 2029. Currently, Abdelkarim is participating with the Egypt national team in the World Cup, where he has played approximately fifteen minutes in each of the matches against Belgium and New Zealand. In an iconic moment, he replaced Mohamed Salah, which has been seen in Egypt as the succession of the 'Prince of Egypt' by his heir. Since joining Barcelona during the winter transfer window, Abdelkarim played for the Juvenil A team, scoring six goals in nine league matches and featuring in two Copa del Rey matches. Next season, he will play with Barça Atlètic under Juliano Belletti and will be part of the first team dynamic. Coach Hansi Flick has him on his radar for preseason if Egypt's World Cup run ends early.
Feed MRSS-S fc_barcelona_aFC Barcelona Officially Signs Egyptian Striker Hamza Abdelkarim
FC Barcelona has officially signed 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, exercising a purchase option for €1.5 million plus variables. The club announced the signing on Tuesday, and Abdelkarim will be under contract for three seasons, until 2029. After initially resolving a visa issue by returning to Egypt, Abdelkarim debuted with Barcelona's Juvenil A team in early March. In 11 matches, he scored six goals, proving to be a classic number 9 finisher—a profile rarely seen from La Masia. His performance earned him a call-up to the Egyptian national team for the World Cup, where he has played in two matches against Belgium and New Zealand. Club officials praise his qualities and learning attitude, and coach Hansi Flick indicated Abdelkarim could join the first team for preseason depending on Egypt's World Cup run.
FútbolBarcelona Officially Exercises Buyout Option for 18-Year-Old Egyptian Forward Hamza Abdelkarim, Signs Until 2029
On June 23, 2024, FC Barcelona B announced they have exercised the buyout option for 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly. The striker will officially join Barcelona and sign a three-year contract lasting until June 30, 2029. Abdelkarim, currently with the Egyptian national team at the World Cup, played in matches against Belgium and New Zealand. He initially joined Barcelona during the winter transfer window and played for the U19 A team, scoring on his debut against Huesca on March 8. In nine league appearances, he scored six goals, including a hat-trick in a 9-0 victory over Monte Carlo, helping the team win the Honor Division championship. He also played in two Copa del Rey matches, finishing as runner-up.
虎扑 - 足球Hamza Abdelkarim's World Cup Journey Continues with Egypt
Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian forward who recently joined FC Barcelona, continues to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In Egypt's match against New Zealand on June 22, 2026, he came on as a substitute in the 76th minute with Egypt leading 1-2. He replaced Mostafa Ziko and received advice from Mohamed Salah. While he did not directly contribute to Egypt's third goal, he was active in pressing and had a headed chance. With 28 minutes played across two World Cup matches (against Belgium and New Zealand), Abdelkarim is the youngest Egyptian to ever play in a World Cup. Additionally, FC Barcelona is finalizing a permanent transfer from Al-Ahly for €1.5 million, with bureaucratic steps remaining.
FútbolEgyptian Club Al-Kom Al-Ahmar Claims Share of Hamza Abdelkarim's Transfer Fee from Barcelona
An administrative controversy has emerged around Egyptian teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who recently debuted for Egypt in the 2026 World Cup and transferred from Al Ahly to FC Barcelona's reserve team. The Egyptian training club Al-Kom Al-Ahmar, where Abdelkarim began his career, is now claiming a share of the solidarity mechanism payment related to his transfer. The club's football director, Diaa Bahgat, stated that they have official documents including the player's signature, his father's, and even his fingerprint to validate his training stint there. He emphasized the club does not wish to hinder the player's progress but seeks to assert its legitimate financial rights. The young striker, just 18, rose rapidly from a complex contractual situation between his training club and Al Ahly to Barcelona's reserve system, where he impressed with goalscoring, leading to his senior national team call-up and World Cup minutes against Belgium.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertFC Barcelona Completes Signing of Hamza Abdelkarim from Al-Ahly
FC Barcelona will finalize the signing of 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim starting Monday, June 22, 2026. Barcelona exercised a purchase option agreed with Al-Ahly for the player, who spent the current season on loan with Barcelona's U19 team and is currently playing in the World Cup for Egypt. The transfer fee is set at 1.5 million euros plus variables. The deal's official completion awaits the exchange of final documentation between the two clubs, which is expected to be finished before June 30. Al-Ahly confirmed the agreement via a social media statement. Separately, Egyptian club Al-Kom Al-Ahmar, the player's formative club, is reportedly claiming a portion of the fee from Al-Ahly, though this does not affect Barcelona.
FútbolFormer Egyptian Club Files Complaint Over Hamza Abdelkarim's Barcelona Transfer
Hamza Abdelkarim, the 18-year-old Egyptian striker, has been making headlines during the start of the 2026 World Cup after his rapid rise from Al Ahly to Barcelona's youth team and into the senior Egyptian national team. However, controversy has erupted after a former club, Al-Kom Al-Ahmar Youth Center, filed a complaint with the Egyptian Football Federation. The club's football director, Diaa Bahgat, claims they are entitled to a percentage of the €1.5 million transfer fee under the solidarity mechanism, as Hamza was first registered with them in 2017. Despite the claim, the club's chairman issued a public statement urging calm and prioritizing the national team's World Cup campaign. Meanwhile, Hamza is expected to continue his progression at Barcelona, potentially training under first-team coach Hansi Flick.
Últimas NoticiasAl-Kom Al-Ahmar files complaint over Hamza Abdelkarim's transfer to Barcelona
A former club of Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, Al-Kom Al-Ahmar Youth Center, has filed a complaint with the Egyptian Football Federation claiming entitlement to a solidarity payment from his transfer from Al Ahly to FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old striker, who has impressed at Barcelona's youth team and earned a call-up to Egypt's senior national team for the 2026 World Cup, is at the center of a financial dispute over 1.5 million euros transfer fee. The club's football director Diaa Bahgat insists on receiving a small percentage under FIFA solidarity mechanisms, but has publicly asked for the matter to be postponed until after the World Cup to avoid distracting the player. Al-Kom Al-Ahmar issued a statement prioritizing national team success over immediate financial claims.
Últimas NoticiasBarcelona and Flick Pleased with Hamza Abdelkarim Signing Ahead of World Cup
Barcelona and coach Hansi Flick are optimistic about 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim, who became the youngest Arab footballer to debut in a World Cup on June 15, 2026. Despite not yet playing for Barcelona's first team or Barça Atlètic, his impressive record of six goals in eleven matches for Juvenil A prompted the club to finalize his permanent signing from Egyptian club Al-Ahly for 1.5 million euros just before the tournament. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has given him minutes, including replacing Mohamed Salah against Belgium, signaling a generational shift. Barcelona plans for Abdelkarim to play for Barça Atlètic next season but also expects him to train with the first team during preseason in England, where he could serve as the main striker. Flick is closely monitoring his World Cup progress and eager to develop his game understanding and link-up play.
Feed MRSS-S fc_barcelona_aHamza Abdelkarim's Surprise World Cup Debut for Egypt
Egyptian teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, 18, made a surprise World Cup debut on 16 June 2026, coming off the bench for 20 minutes in Egypt's match against Belgium, replacing Mohamed Salah. He became the youngest Egyptian player ever to appear in a World Cup. Abdelkarim, a Barcelona youth product and the squad's only natural center forward, did not expect to play so soon but was called up by coach Hossam Hassan. Egypt, which has never won a World Cup match (0 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses), will face New Zealand and Iran in group play. The article highlights his finishing skills, athleticism (inherited from his volleyball-player father), and potential role at Barcelona's first team under Hansi Flick.
FútbolHamza Abdelkarim Becomes Youngest Arab Player in World Cup History
Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian forward from FC Barcelona, made his World Cup debut for Egypt in a 1-1 draw against Belgium, becoming the youngest Arab player ever to appear in a World Cup match at 18 years, 6 months, and 14 days. He replaced Mohamed Salah in the 76th minute. The previous record was held by Morocco's Bilal El Khannous. Abdelkarim, who jumped from the U-17 to the senior team, impressed with his physical play and aerial duels. FC Barcelona celebrated his debut and plans to include him in the first team's preseason. The club recently activated a €1.5 million purchase option from Al Ahly.
Últimas NoticiasHamza Abdelkarim Becomes Youngest Arab Player in World Cup History
Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian forward from FC Barcelona, made his World Cup debut for Egypt in a 1-1 draw against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup in Seattle. Entering the match in the 76th minute as a substitute for Mohamed Salah, he became the youngest Arab player ever to appear in a World Cup, at 18 years, 6 months, and 14 days, surpassing the previous record held by Morocco's Bilal El Khannous. Although he did not score, his performance impressed coach Hossam Hassan, who sees him as a long-term asset. Barcelona recently activated a €1.5 million purchase option for Abdelkarim from Al Ahly, and he is expected to join the first team's preseason after the tournament. The club celebrated his debut on social media, highlighting his rapid rise from the U-17 team to the senior national team.
Últimas NoticiasHamza Abdelkarim Becomes Youngest Arab Player in World Cup History
Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian forward from FC Barcelona's youth system, made his senior World Cup debut for Egypt in a 1-1 draw against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup in Seattle. Entering the match in the 76th minute as a substitute for Mohamed Salah, he became the youngest Arab player ever to appear in a World Cup, at 18 years, 6 months, and 14 days, surpassing the previous record held by Morocco's Bilal El Khannous. Although he did not score, his performance drew praise from coach Hossam Hassan and FC Barcelona, which recently exercised a €1.5 million purchase option for him from Al Ahly. The club plans to integrate him into Barça Atlètic and the first team's preseason after the tournament.
Últimas NoticiasEgyptian Media Hail Hamza Abdelkarim After World Cup Debut
Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old FC Barcelona striker, made his World Cup debut for Egypt against Belgium, coming on as a substitute for Mohamed Salah. Egyptian media immediately anointed him as a key figure for the future of Egyptian football. Outlets like FilGoal highlighted him as the youngest Arab player in a World Cup, while Masrawy focused on the symbolic handover from Salah. Ahram Online noted his surprise inclusion in the squad by coach Hossam Hassan. The press framed his debut as part of a generational transition, linking his name with Salah's legacy. The article also details his transfer from Al-Ahly to Barcelona for approximately €1.5 million plus variables, noting his six goals in 11 youth matches and expected value appreciation after the World Cup.
FútbolThe Secrets of Hamza Abdelkarim's Signing: How Barcelona Convinced One of Africa's Biggest Prospects
FC Barcelona successfully signed 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly, one of Africa's most promising football talents. The deal was finalized after Barça's scouting team, led by João Amaral, was impressed by his performance at the U-20 World Cup in October 2025. Sporting director Deco played a key role in convincing the player, who had dreamed of joining Barça since childhood. Despite interest from Sporting CP and Bologna, Barcelona's transparent sporting plan—emphasizing a path through La Masia with potential first-team promotion—won him over. Al Ahly initially resisted, but negotiations eventually succeeded. Abdelkarim, described as mature and reserved, now lives at La Masia learning Spanish while adapting to life in Spain.
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