The 18-year-old Egyptian forward has joined FC Barcelona on loan with a view to make the deal permanent
FC Barcelona have reportedly completed the signing of young striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who joins the Catalan club on loan from Al Ahly until the end of the season with an option to buy.
A standout performer for Egypt’s Under-17 side, Abdelkarim is already being tipped as a player capable of following the path forged by Mohamed Salah at the highest level of the game.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo and Sport, the agreement between Barcelona and Al Ahly is structured as a loan deal that includes an option to buy, with the fee set between €3 million and €5 million depending on performance-related clauses.
Who is Hamza Abdelkarim?
Hamza Abdelkarim is a highly-rated young Egyptian forward who has attracted international attention for his performances with Al Ahly and Egypt’s youth national teams.
In early 2026, Barcelona moved to secure his signature on a loan deal with an option to buy, viewing the teenage striker as an exciting attacking prospect in line with comparisons to Mohamed Salah.
Hamza Abdelkarim: Age, position, and club
Hamza Mohamed Abdelkarim Selim is 18 years old, born on 1 January 2008 and is Egyptian by nationality. He plays as a forward, typically leading the line or operating in advanced attacking positions.
Abdelkarim came through the Al Ahly academy, joining the club’s youth setup in 2020 before progressing to make his professional debut with the senior team last year.
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Age: 18 (born 01/01/2008)
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Nationality: Egyptian
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Position: Forward
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Current club: Al Ahly
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Academy: Al Ahly
Why is Hamza Abdelkarim being talked about?
Abdelkarim’s rise to prominence stems largely from his performances in youth international competitions and early first-team exposure at Al Ahly.
He made headlines as one of Egypt’s most productive players at youth level, scoring prolifically for the under-17 side and contributing goals and assists in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where his offensive output helped raise his profile across scouts and media.
At club level, he also became one of Al Ahly’s youngest debutants of the 21st century, further highlighting his rapid development and potential.
These performances have led to optimism around his future, with comparisons to elite forwards such as Salah emerging in some coverage.
Barcelona’s interest in Hamza Abdelkarim
Barcelona’s interest in Abdelkarim has evolved into a formal loan arrangement with an option to buy, according to reports.
The deal, structured as a short-term loan with potential future purchase obligations, shows that Barcelona are looking at him as a long-term developmental talent rather than an immediate first-team solution.
He is expected to join Barça Atlètic, Barcelona’s reserve squad, where he can adapt to Spanish football and the club’s style of play while gaining valuable experience.
The club’s approach reflects a strategy of nurturing young forwards with high potential, allowing them to grow in a structured setting that could, in time, lead to opportunities with the senior side.
🌍 Mohamed Salah’s AFCON curse
🇪🇬 Egypt are Africa’s most successful footballing nation, but have failed to win AFCON with Salah in their squad.
🗣 The comments of Jamie Carragher and Jay-Jay Okocha now linger over the Liverpool star.https://t.co/Iufe2T1jth
— BB Sport News (@BBSportNews24) January 16, 2026
How does Hamza Abdelkarim play?
Abdelkarim is known for his combination of physical presence and attacking threat. His game blends strength with technical skill, enabling him to hold off defenders, make powerful runs into the penalty area, and create scoring chances.
More than just a goal scorer, he shows an instinct for positioning and movement that allows him to be dangerous both as a central striker and when drifting into wider areas.
At youth international level, he has demonstrated the ability to influence matches directly through goals and assists, contributing to his reputation as one of Egypt’s most promising attacking prospects.
Position and role at Al Ahly
During his time at Al Ahly, Abdelkarim was primarily deployed as a central forward, a role in which he leads attacks, finds scoring positions and uses his build and pace to challenge defenders.
His role at youth and senior levels has emphasised finishing, movement off the ball, and an ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.
Development path and age-related restrictions
As a player born on January 1, 2008, Abdelkarim’s has already celebrated his 18th birthday. Under FIFA regulations, the position is clear. Article 19, paragraph 1 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) states that international transfers are permitted only if a player is over the age of 18. As a result, players aged 17 or under are classified as minors.
For the immediate future, his development is likely to focus on integration within Barcelona’s youth and reserve structure, where he can adapt technically and physically to European football.
What could be next for Hamza Abdelkarim?
Looking ahead, Abdelkarim’s next milestones include establishing himself within Barcelona’s reserve ranks, adjusting to Spanish football and continuing his progression as a goal threat at youth and competitive levels.
Should he excel with Barça Atlètic, opportunities could arise for training with the first team or further involvement in senior matches in the seasons to come.