Barcelona request Hamza AbdelKarim’s immediate return to Spain

FC Barcelona have officially informed the Egyptian Football Association of the need for Egyptian youngster Hamza AbdelKarim to return to Spain in the coming hours.

In an official statement, the Egyptian FA confirmed receiving formal notification from the Catalan club requesting the player’s return. Barcelona clarified that the procedures related to obtaining a work permit and completing the necessary administrative documentation for the player’s legal and continuous stay in Spain are nearing completion. His personal presence is required to finalize the paperwork and resume training to ensure his continuity within the club’s sporting project.

Hamza is currently in Egypt, where he had joined the national U-20 camp (2007 generation) under head coach Wael Riad, as the team prepares for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Despite the player’s technical importance to the youth national team, the Egyptian FA explained that prioritizing his professional pathway in Europe required his early departure from the camp. The decision was approved by the technical staff, led by Wael Riad, to avoid any legal complications that could affect his registration or official participation with his new club in upcoming competitions.

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, once the Egyptian forward secures his work permit, he is expected to begin gaining minutes with Barcelona’s U-19 side. Registering him with the youth team would be administratively easier at this stage than listing him with FC Barcelona Atlètic.

In early February, Barcelona announced the signing of Hamza AbdelKarim on loan from Al Ahly until the end of the season. He has become the first Egyptian player to wear the shirt of the Spanish giants, marking a historic milestone for Egyptian football.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.