Europe’s top clubs are scrambling for the best young players from the recent U17 World Cup. FC Barcelona have now scored a real coup – to the detriment of FC Bayern.
Hamza Abdelkarim is on the verge of a move to the Catalans, according to information from Spanish Sport. The 17-year-old centre-forward from Al Ahly is one of the most exciting talents of his age group and is said to have been in talks with Barça for several weeks. The Spanish top club are apparently convinced that they will be able to close the deal soon.
FC Bayern Munich also had their eye on the Egyptian, as did Manchester City, Olympique Lyon and AC Milan, but the record champions had to admit defeat. According to Sport, the Blaugrana are initially planning a loan to use Abdelkarim in the second team. A permanent signing is also being prepared.
In order to handle the transfer professionally, the player has already joined a new consultancy agency. The attacking player is to gain match practice with Barça’s B team until the summer, after which he will be integrated into the professional squad’s pre-season preparations under Hansi Flick.
U17 World Cup as a stage for the Egyptian
Abdelkarim attracted international attention at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, scoring two goals and setting up another in four games. He was named „MVP of the Match“ several times. In total, he has scored twelve goals in 19 international matches for Egypt’s U17s – strong figures for a player of his age.
The 1.82-metre striker is also gaining his first experience at club level in the men’s game. In addition to his appearances for Al Ahly’s U21 team, he has also made one brief appearance in the CAF Champions League this season. He was in the professional squad once in the Egyptian league, but did not get any minutes on the pitch.