Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona have registered their interest in 17-year-old Al Ahly forward Hamza Abdelkarim as they look to strengthen their attacking options
- The Catalan club are preparing for life after 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, whose contract is expected to expire at the end of the season
- Abdelkarim has already scored 12 goals in 19 games for Egypt’s U17 side and could join Barcelona as early as January, once he turns 18 on the 1st of the month
Barcelona Seek Long-Term Solution at Centre-Forward
Barcelona continue to scour the global market for emerging talent to feed into their renowned La Masia academy, and a new attacking prospect has now come into focus.
In recent seasons, several La Masia graduates have made the step up to the first team, but the centre-forward role has proved particularly difficult to fill from within the club’s youth structure. Marc Guiu made a compelling case for himself during the 2023-24 campaign, yet ultimately opted to depart for Chelsea in the summer of 2024.
🚨🚨🌕| Barcelona are interested in 17-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza AbdelKarim from Al Ahly and have already taken initial steps to sign him.
[@Benayadachraf] pic.twitter.com/VFg8uSO48H
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) December 1, 2025
This departure has only intensified the need for Barcelona to address the striker position. Robert Lewandowski is 37 and is expected to depart at the end of the current season when his contract expires. Should that scenario unfold, Ferran Torres would be the only senior forward available to Hansi Flick, with no clear-cut candidate emerging from the academy ranks – at least for now.
Barcelona Move for Al Ahly’s Hamza Abdelkarim
According to Achraf Ben Ayad, Barcelona have formally expressed their interest in Hamza Abdelkarim, a 17-year-old striker currently on the books at Al Ahly. The young Egyptian has previously drawn attention from Bayern Munich, but it is now the reigning La Liga champions who are manoeuvring to secure his signature.
| Player | Club | Age | Position(s) | International Level | U17 Caps | U17 Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamza Abdelkarim | Al Ahly | 17 | Striker / Right Wing | Egypt U17 | 19 | 12 |
Profile and International Record of Abdelkarim
Abdelkarim is described as a forward comfortable with both feet and capable of operating not only through the middle but also from the right flank. He has already made his senior debut for Al Ahly, underlining the high regard in which he is held in Egyptian football.
On the international stage, the teenager has compiled an impressive record with Egypt’s U17 national team, scoring 12 goals in 19 appearances. His impact extended to the recent U17 World Cup, where he found the net twice.
Potential January Arrival and La Masia Impact
Barcelona’s strategy clearly involves adding at least one, and possibly more, young centre-forwards to their development pathway, and Abdelkarim fits the profile of an exciting long-term option. A key advantage in this particular pursuit is the timing of his eligibility to move. His 18th birthday falls on the 1st of January, meaning he could join Barcelona as early as the January window, rather than the club having to delay his arrival.
For Barcelona, that timing could prove significant as they reshape their attacking options and prepare for a future beyond Robert Lewandowski, with La Masia once again at the heart of their long-term planning.
