FC Barcelona have confirmed the signing of teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly, ending weeks of negotiations and speculation.

The 18-year-old joins Barça Atlètic on loan until 30 June 2026, with the Catalan club holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

“The feeling is great. I’m ready, I’m excited, and I can’t wait to be on the pitch. My goal is to give my all for this club and hopefully to make the first team and represent this club in the best way possible,” the player told the Barcelona press team.

The forward becomes the first Egyptian player to sign for Barcelona, a notable milestone for both the club’s talent pipeline and Egyptian football’s visibility in elite European academies.

Abdelkarim rose through Al Ahly’s youth ranks and first drew wider attention after his performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup with the Egyptian national team. He later made his senior debut for Al Ahly, including appearances in the CAF Champions League.

Following the announcement, Hamza Abdelkarim will begin training with his new teammates at Barcelona in the coming days, the club confirmed.

Barcelona is placing him into the reserves immediately, where the short-term aim is to add depth and goals to the Barça Atlètic attack, and help the side push for promotion. For Abdelkarim, the mission is equally direct. The youngster needs to adapt fast, earn minutes, and do enough to trigger a permanent stay.

The purchase clause is reported at €3 million, with performance-related add-ons that could take the total to €5 million if certain targets are met.