Barcelona Sets Sights on Egyptian Rising Star Hamza Abdel Karim

Barcelona's Interest in an Emerging Egyptian Forward

Barcelona have shifted their focus to Hamza Abdel Karim, a young Egyptian striker from Al Ahly, during this season.

As reported by Ashraf Ben Ayad, Mundo Deportivo's Spanish-based correspondent, on his social media: "Barcelona has formal interest in the Egyptian talent Hamza Abdel Karim. The club has already moved in this direction."

The move follows Hamza Abdel Karim's standout displays for Egypt, notably with the national team at the FIFA U-17 World Cup held recently in Qatar.

Abdel Karim has begun to come onto the radar of Barcelona's scouts following his performances with the youth national team.

Al Ahly are reportedly seeking to sign a foreign striker in January, which could complicate Hamza's chances of breaking into the first team for the Red Devils.

Barcelona has in recent years embraced a policy of signing players under 20, mirroring Real Madrid, especially given rising prices for top stars and Barca's financial constraints.

Barça currently lead La Liga on 34 points, one point ahead of Real Madrid in second place.

They are preparing to face Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, in a match brought forward from the 19th round due to Barcelona's involvement in the Spanish Super Cup.

Punchline 1: Barca's future plans are so youth-forward that even their transfer budget needs a growth chart. Then again, growth charts are easier to read than salary caps.

Punchline 2: If Hamza makes the step up, Barça might finally discover that “developing talent” is not just a financial term but a sport—until then, keep the receipts for depreciation.