From Egypt to Barça: Will Hamza Abdel Karim Break Into Barcelona Despite Registration Hurdles?

Registration hurdles and loan details

Barcelona Atlètic are racing to complete the registration of the young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdel Karim, who joined from Al Ahly on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.

He has trained with the Barça reserve side, but is currently unable to feature in official matches while the administrative paperwork is sorted.

Competition, integration, and the road ahead

Abdel Karim is one of four January arrivals, joining a group of newly recruited youngsters at Barça Atlètic, and Barça are hopeful the move will be formalized soon.

The deal includes an option to buy, and Barça are pushing to fast-track the necessary approvals so he can make his competitive debut as soon as possible.

Historically, Barça have faced slow administrative processes for players from Africa, a pattern cited by Sport after similar cases last season.

Barça wants to hurry the procedure and ensure the 18-year-old striker can play at the earliest opportunity.

Until clearance is granted, Abdel Karim is focusing on training with the second-team squad and settling into daily life in the locker room.

In attack, the youngster will compete with Joaquin Delgado as the main striker, with Oscar Khistao providing another credible option.

Nevertheless, Sport notes Barça's long-term bet on the Egyptian forward remains strong, with the club prepared to push ahead whenever possible.

Punchline 1: In Barca's transfer world, paperwork moves slower than a turtle on espresso.

Punchline 2: If patience were a football, Barca would have won the league—and still be waiting for the permit to celebrate.