Hamza Abdelkarim impresses with hat-trick as Barcelona tipped to make loan deal permanent

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 4: Hamza Abdelkarim of Egypt celebrates the third goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match between Haiti and Egypt at Aspire Academy on November 4, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Sayed Hassan/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona signed Hamza Abdelkarim from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahly on loan in the January transfer window amid plenty of hype. The young Egyptian was described as being “similar to Erling Haaland” and the teenager admitted he was hoping to break into the first team.

Abdelkarim had to wait to make his debut due to bureaucratic issues but made headlines on Sunday as he bagged a hat-trick for Juvenil A in a 9-0 win over UD Montecarlo that also sealed the title for the team. ⌚️ 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐒 💪🏽 Juvenil A 🆚 UD Montecarlo (4️⃣-0️⃣) ⚽️ Nil Vicens (9’), Abdelkarim (16’, 27’, 31’) 🗒️ J30 Divisió d’Honor 📍 Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper #FCBMasia 💙❤️ pic. twitter.

com/QfNbHQ28kE — FC Barcelona – Masia (@FCBmasia) May 3, 2026 Reports in Spain and Egypt are now claiming that Barcelona plan to activate the buy option in his contract to keep him at the club. Barcelona are due to pay around €1. 5m for his signature, although the fee could potentially rise as high as €5m due to various add-ons and bonuses.

Abdelkarim is being tipped to play for Juliano Belletti’s Barca Atletic next season and will hope he can impress with his new team and potentially catch the eye of Hansi Flick.