Barcelona have secured Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim on a permanent deal, paying an initial €1.5 million to Al Ahly. The 18‑year‑old arrived on loan in January and impressed enough in youth fixtures to earn a full transfer. His signing adds a fresh attacking option as the Catalan club reshapes its squad ahead of next season, addressing concerns over goal output after a mixed campaign.

Abdelkarim’s rise accelerated after his debut for Egypt’s senior side in a 1‑0 win over Russia on May 28, followed by a substitute appearance in the 2‑1 loss to Brazil at the North American World Cup. Wearing No 9, he joins Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in a forward line that could give Les Bleus a new dimension as Egypt opens Group G against Belgium before meeting New Zealand and Iran.

The teenager’s early impact at Barça includes a debut for the under‑19s in March, a goal versus Huesca, and a hat‑trick against UD Montecarlo, though he suffered defeats to Real Betis and Real Madrid in cup contests. Barcelona’s decision to activate the clause signals confidence that the World Cup‑exposed forward can transition to senior level soon, reinforcing a pipeline that already produced several first‑team prospects.