Six-Month Loan, Big Buyout: Barca's Move for Hamza Abdelkarim

Loan terms and player profile

Barcelona is closing in on a six-month loan for Egyptian talent Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly, with a structured option to buy that could reshape the club's winter plans.

Buy option and price evolution

According to AS, the player will join on loan through June without an upfront fee, after Barcelona improved its initial bid to win approval from the Egyptian side. The arrangement includes a future purchase option.

Price details and conditions

The buyout option was initially set at €1.25 million after the loan spell, but has now risen to €1.5 million, with several variable add-ons potentially lifting the total to as much as €5 million depending on performance and appearances.

Activation window and consequences

The loan agreement includes a deadline for Barcelona to activate the buy option, targeted for the first week of June. If Barcelona does not exercise the purchase, the option expires and the deal becomes purely on loan.

Negotiations and future implications

During talks, Al Ahly secured a protective clause and Barça explored terms to cover potential injury during the six months, with both clubs closely monitoring Hamza's development and long-term potential. The setup is being overseen by representatives from both sides.

If Barcelona does not trigger the buyout, Al Ahly is pursuing a four-year extension plan for Hamza to keep him under contract until he is 22, while Barcelona continues to assess his long-term role within the club.

Punchline 1: In football, six months is long enough to fall in love with a player, but not long enough to sign him to a mortgage—so enjoy the paperwork-free romance.

Punchline 2: If the option expires, Al Ahly will simply say: “Nice try, Barça—see you in the next transfer window for the sequel.”