Barcelona teen Hamza Abdelkarim has moved from a loan to a permanent deal, costing the Catalan club €1.5 million. The 18‑year‑old, who scored on his Juvenil debut against SD Huesca, now sits beside Egypt’s senior squad for the World Cup in Seattle. Coach Hossam Hassan sees him as a future talisman ahead of Salah in the next.

Hassan, who oversaw Abdelkarim’s 2025 U‑17 World Cup campaign, praised the player’s ambition and technical skill. He noted the youngster’s influence on teammates and his readiness for senior football. Abdelkarim’s arrival at Barcelona, after a brief loan, signals a shift toward youth in Egypt’s squad, which features twelve players over 30 in the team structure today.

With Salah set to turn 34, Egypt’s focus shifts to a collective effort rather than a single star. Hassan envisions Abdelkarim as a long‑term replacement, capable of carrying the Pharaohs forward. The team’s Group G matches against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran test whether this new blend can secure a knockout berth in the tournament today.

The permanent move, valued at €1.5 million, also marks a rare financial commitment from Barcelona to an African prospect. Fans expect Abdelkarim to bring fresh energy to a side that has struggled since its 2006 World Cup run. If he performs, Egypt could finally break a 16‑year drought in major tournaments.