Reason revealed why teenage forward’s move to Barcelona has stalled – report

Earlier this week, there was serious enthusiasm that Barcelona’s signing of Hamza Abdelkarim would be made official in a matter of days, especially with an agreement in principle having been reached.

The player was expected to land in Catalonia later in the week to complete the formalities, and thus become the latest recruitment for the Barcelona subsidiary team this winter.

Since then, however, reports from Egypt have cooled and SPORT brings to light that a new hurdle has popped up which has led to the deal heading into a temporary standstill.

A worrying update

Complications are now arriving in his dream transfer. (Picture credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)

As confirmed by the Spanish outlet, Al-Ahly’s agreement with Barcelona over the transfer of Hamza on a six-month loan with an option to purchase was subject to the player’s renewal with them beyond 2027.

While Al-Ahly initially pushed for a three or four-year renewal, the player and his father fought and brought that number down to one year.

Now, however, the player and his father are bluntly refusing to sign any extension at all, and are pushing for the loan move on the existing contract that runs out in 2027.

The Egyptian side fear a scenario where Barcelona do not make his transfer permanent in the summer and the youngster returns to Al-Ahly. In such a situation, his market value would have significantly increased but he will be left with just a year on his contract.

The Spanish outlet further reports that while talks have not collapsed, they have reached a standstill and will continue to stay in status quo until the new hurdle can be addressed. The pressure, thus, is on the player and his entourage.

From Barcelona’s point of view, the deal is expected to include a fee of €5 million that will be payable when Hamza plays five games for the B team. An additional €5 million will be payable as variables based on his performances.