Hamza AbdelKarim nears work permit breakthrough at Barcelona

Media report indicates that the work permit issue preventing Egyptian youngster Hamza AbdelKarim from featuring for FC Barcelona Atlètic is close to being resolved.

FC Barcelona had announced the signing of AbdelKarim during the winter transfer window, bringing him in from Egypt’s Al Ahly on a six-month loan deal that includes an option to buy. However, administrative complications delayed his official registration and work permit approval, preventing him from making his debut for the Catalan side’s reserve team.

According to Moroccan journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, who is considered close to Barcelona circles, AbdelKarim is expected to receive his work permit within the next few days.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo further reported that the player recently returned to Egypt in an effort to accelerate the necessary procedures required to finalize the permit.

Once the administrative hurdle is cleared, AbdelKarim could initially be registered with Barcelona’s youth team — a process considered simpler than registering him directly with Barça Atlètic — before potentially integrating into the reserve squad setup.

The coming days could therefore mark a crucial turning point for the young Egyptian forward as he awaits the green light to officially begin his European chapter in Catalonia.

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