Barcelona's Last-Hope Bid to Sign Hamza Abdelkarim Heats Up the January Window
30 December 2025
Barcelona's Last-Hope Bid for Hamza Abdelkarim
Barcelona has submitted a final offer to sign Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly as the January transfer window nears its close. The move follows earlier proposals that failed to bridge the gap between the clubs valuations.
BeIN Sports journalist Basil Talal, reporting from Barcelona, said the latest bid would see Abdelkarim join on loan with an option to buy, and talks have grown more flexible in recent days, with Al Ahly showing openness to a short-term arrangement of six to eighteen months.
Barca has pressed to complete the deal during the winter window, but previous talks stalled over price and structure.
A Koora source noted intensified talks among three main parties — Al Ahly, Barcelona, and the player's English representatives — aiming to reach a binding agreement that ends the debate over his future.
The source added that Barcelona first tabled a formal proposal on December 17, taking advantage of a more accommodating stance from Al Ahly, including a loan with a future purchase option.
Negotiations are now reportedly more fluid, with Abdelkarim approaching a place in Barca's reserve team while Al Ahly prefers a loan lasting six months to a year and a half.
Al Ahly is said to be asking for around €1 million for the loan, plus up to €4 million for a potential purchase, along with bonuses tied to promotion to Barca's first team and a 20% resale share for Al Ahly in the future.
Fabrizio Romano had previously indicated that the deal paused briefly due to Al Ahly's financial demands, despite the player's strong desire to move to Barcelona.
In short, the talks involve Al Ahly, Barcelona, and the player's English representatives, all pushing to reach a formal agreement before the window closes.
As December ends, many expect a resolution, with Barca intent on finalizing a loan with a buy option in the near term.
Punchline 1: If this transfer hits the target, Barca will finally need a bigger trophy cabinet and maybe a bigger wallet for the add-ons.
Punchline 2: If not, Barca will be left with a highlight reel of near misses—great for drama, terrible for fantasy football fans.
