Barcelona face fresh resistance in negotiations to sign 17-year-old gem

Barcelona’s pursuit of emerging African talent has run into fresh resistance, with the proposed move for teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim turning into a delicate test of patience and principle. 

What initially looked like a straightforward development deal is now at risk of stalling as financial demands continue to shift.

As reported by SPORT, Abdelkarim’s current club, Al Ahly, have opened the door to a loan until June, but the conditions attached to that agreement are proving difficult for Barcelona to accept. 

It is said that Al Ahly are now pushing for an €8 million purchase option, broken down into €2 million guaranteed and a further €6 million tied to performance-based variables.

So what’s the problem?

This latest position represents a significant hardening of stance from the Egyptian club and threatens to upset weeks of work behind the scenes. 

Barcelona had approached the operation with caution. Internally, the Catalan club were clear that a figure closer to €4 million would better reflect the player’s current status.

The gap between the parties does not stop at the base fee. Al Ahly are also demanding a 20% cut of any future transfer, a clause Barcelona see as excessive. 

Hamza Abdelkarim wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)

The Blaugrana have made it known they are prepared to offer no more than 10%, a limit they consider reasonable and final. 

That difference has now become one of the main obstacles standing in the way of an agreement.

Despite the growing complications, the player’s position has not changed. Abdelkarim is determined to make the move happen and is actively pushing for a departure. 

He views Barcelona as a unique opportunity to accelerate his development at a crucial moment in his career. 

With his 18th birthday approaching in January, the timing is especially important for a move to Europe.

From Barcelona’s perspective, the sporting plan remains intact. If the deal goes through, Abdelkarim would immediately join Barça Atlètic, where the club believes he can adapt gradually to European football.