Hamza Abdel Karim to Barcelona: Details of the first Egyptian signing at Camp Nou
In a move reflecting the Catalan club’s ongoing strategy of searching for young talents around the world, FC Barcelona is preparing to officially announce three new signings during the current winter transfer window to strengthen its youth and reserve teams. The most notable development for Arab fans was the imminent arrival of young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdel Karim, a player for Al Ahly.
According to the Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, which is close to the club, Barcelona's recent UEFA Youth League match against Copenhagen saw the presence of three new signings in the stands: Egyptian Hamza Abdel Karim, Argentinian Patricio Pacifico, and Dutchman Guinsley Onestsen. Their presence is seen as a strong indication that their official transfer to the Blaugrana is imminent, pending the finalization of their contracts.
Press reports indicate that Hamza Abdelkarim has been on Barcelona's radar for some time, impressing the club's technical staff with his attacking abilities. The club has been trying to finalize the deal since late December, but international regulations regarding the transfer of minors prevented it. Barcelona was waiting for the player to turn 18 at the beginning of January to formalize the contract, which has now happened, leaving only some routine administrative procedures remaining.
Barcelona's strategy and search for gems
These moves come within the context of a major shift in FC Barcelona's policy in recent years. Due to the economic challenges the club has faced, relying on the La Masia academy and its global scouting network has become essential to securing the team's future. The club is no longer content with local talent; it has broadened its search to include Africa and South America, seeking future stars whose skills can be honed and promoted to the first team at a lower cost compared to established stars.
A historic event for Egyptian football
If the deal is finalized and officially announced, Hamza Abdel Karim will etch his name in history as the first Egyptian player to wear the Barcelona jersey. This move represents a significant leap for Egyptian players in La Liga, as previous experiences have been limited to clubs like Celta Vigo (Ahmed Hossam Mido) or others. However, reaching the two giants of Spanish football remains a dream for many Arab talents. Observers hope that the young player will follow in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah in achieving European success, benefiting from Barcelona's environment, which values talent and provides opportunities for young players.
Urgent technical needs of the reserve team
From a technical standpoint, this signing is not merely an investment for the long term, but a pressing need in the present. Barcelona's reserve team (Barça Atlètic) is suffering from a shortage of players and significant injuries in its attacking line, which has affected its scoring rate in the Spanish third division. The sporting management hopes that the three new signings, led by Hamza Abdelkarim, will provide the immediate boost needed to help the team compete and achieve its seasonal objectives.
