Barcelona Poised to Sign Egypt's Rising Striker Hamza Abdul Karim

Barça Poised to Sign Egypt's Young Striker Hamza Abdul Karim

Barcelona is closing in on a deal for Hamza Abdul Karim, the forward for Al Ahly and Egypt's under-17 national team.

According to Mundo Deportivo, if negotiations proceed as planned, the talented forward will join Barcelona's youth ranks in January, coinciding with his 18th birthday and the winter transfer window.

The Egyptian teenager featured for his country at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar last month, scoring twice against Haiti and Venezuela.

Egypt were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Switzerland, ending their campaign early.

Barca's scouts reportedly regard the youngster as physically robust with a powerful shot, though they say he needs to improve his movement and chemistry with teammates outside the box.

Barcelona hosted an Al Ahly delegation in July, including Mahmoud Al-Khatib and Mohamed Kamal, leaders connected to the club's stadium project planned for 2029 with a 45,000 capacity.

Barça Atlètic currently lacks a pure striker, with Oscar Gistau and Victor Barbera sidelined by injuries.

Gistau is expected to return mid-January and has begun training again; he is among La Masia's most promising forwards.

Reports also say Barca has tested several options at the striker position, including Oscar Orina, Shin Cruyvert and Adrian Guerrero.

Punchline 1: If this move lands, Barca will finally have a striker who can score and also sign autographs on transfer rumors.

Punchline 2: And if it falls through, at least the winter saga will give us something to laugh about—football soap operas are the new winter sport.