Barcelona activates purchase of Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkareem ahead of World Cup 2026

Barcelona has formally triggered the purchase option for 18‑year‑old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkareem, converting a six‑month loan from Al Ahly. The agreement includes an initial €1.5 million payment, with additional clauses that could raise the total value to €3 million if he joins the first‑team squad.

Abdelkareem impressed Barcelona’s youth sides, netting six goals in eight U19 matches and scoring a hat‑trick in a 9‑0 league victory. His form secured a call‑up to the senior Egypt national team for the 2026 World Cup, where Egypt will face Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.

FIFA’s official site highlighted him as one of the tournament’s top emerging talents, noting his aerial ability, physical strength and placing him among the five youngest players at the World Cup.