18-Year-Old Al Ahly Striker Arrives on Free Loan with €1.5m Buy Option + Bonuses.

Hamza Abdel Karim is heading to Barcelona, becoming the first Egyptian player in the club’s history, as exclusively reported by journalist Ismael Mahmoud (@ismaeelmahmoudd) on January 1, 2026.

The 18-year-old Al Ahly striker (born January 1, 2008 – turning 18 today!) joins on a free loan until the end of the season, with a purchase option around €1.5m + bonuses and a 15% sell-on clause for Al Ahly.

Abdel Karim – a prolific youth international who shone at U17 tournaments – reportedly “pushed hard” for the move, rejecting interest from Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and others to fulfill his dream at the Camp Nou (likely starting with Barça Atlètic).

Medical and final paperwork expected soon as the January window opens. A historic moment for Egyptian football – welcome to Barça, Hamza!