Barcelona quietly plot move for teenage breakout who stunned scouts at world cup
Early interest after global spotlight
A youth tournament rarely followed outside football circles has unexpectedly placed an Egyptian teenager on the radar of one of the world’s most famous clubs.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is monitoring Al Ahly striker Hamza Abdelkarim following his performances at the Under 17 World Cup, according to reporting from the Spanish newspaper Sport. The outlet says Abdelkarim’s displays against international opposition prompted internal discussions within Barcelona’s recruitment department about a potential future move.
The Under 17 World Cup is often used by elite European clubs to identify emerging talent before players enter the senior professional spotlight. Strong showings at the tournament can accelerate careers, particularly for players coming from regions that are less visible in European leagues.
Why Barcelona are watching closely
Barcelona have increasingly focused on identifying young talent early, both to manage long term finances and to rebuild squads through development rather than expensive transfers.
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According to Sport, Abdelkarim’s combination of physical presence and attacking instincts stood out to scouts during the tournament. The report adds that the player himself is open to joining Barcelona should the opportunity develop into something concrete.
For Abdelkarim, a move to Spain would represent a significant step, moving from Africa’s most successful club to one of Europe’s most storied teams. Al Ahly, based in Cairo, are known for retaining promising players until they are fully established at senior level.
Resistance from current club
Despite growing interest, a transfer is not currently on the table.
Sport reports that Al Ahly have no intention of entering negotiations at this stage and are determined to keep hold of the striker. Club officials reportedly view Abdelkarim as a long term asset and are reluctant to lose him early in his development.
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This stance means Barcelona’s interest remains informal, focused on monitoring progress rather than advancing talks. Any future move would likely depend on a change in Al Ahly’s position or a significant shift in the player’s situation.
Why this situation matters beyond football
While this story centers on football, it reflects a broader pattern in global sports, where elite European organizations increasingly scout talent worldwide at younger ages.
According to Sport, cases like Abdelkarim’s highlight how international youth tournaments function as global showcases, opening doors for players who might otherwise remain outside mainstream European attention. At the same time, they raise questions about player development, club loyalty, and the growing competition for teenage talent.
For now, Abdelkarim remains in Cairo, with Barcelona watching from a distance and the next chapter dependent on decisions made far from the pitch.
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Sources, Sport
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