Barcelona’s Juvenil A side ended the season on a high, clinching the league title with a 9-0 thrashing of Monte Carlo, and one player in particular made a strong case for his future at the club in the process.
Hamza Abdelkarim scored a hat trick in just over 15 minutes, making full use of his aerial ability to cap off what has been a difficult but promising loan spell since joining from Al Ahly earlier this season.
Bureaucratic issues had delayed his debut until March, and the adaptation process to Barcelona’s style of play was not straightforward.
But he has grown into the role and his performances have clearly impressed the coaching staff.
Hamza Abdelkarim has shown exceptional promise during his time on loan in Barcelona youth teams. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
Barcelona to activate purchase option
According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona have already informed Hamza that they intend to exercise the purchase option included in his loan contract, making the move permanent ahead of next season.
Reports from Egypt indicate that Al Ahly will receive a base transfer fee of €1.5 million for the striker.
The deal also includes performance-based bonuses that could add up to a further €5 million, dependent on factors such as a potential debut with the first team and other personal objectives.
Al Ahly will also retain a 15% sell-on clause in the event of any future transfer.
The plan is for Hamza to move up to Barca Atletic next season, where he will have the chance to prove whether he has the progression to eventually make the step up to the first team.
