Barcelona signs top attacker to contract through 2030

FC Barcelona has locked down one of its most exciting young prospects. Hamza Abdelkarim, the 18-year-old Egyptian forward, has signed his first professional contract with the club, keeping him at Camp Nou until June 30, 2030. The announcement came on September 11, with a formal signing ceremony set for September 15 at 5pm CEST. Club president Joan Laporta will lead the event. A historic first for the club Abdelkarim is the first Egyptian player to be linked with Barcelona’s senior squad in the club’s entire history. The young forward originally arrived on loan from Egyptian giants Al Ahly. His performances apparently made enough of an impression that Barcelona decided to make the move permanent during the summer of 2026. The deal reportedly includes a release clause of approximately €150 million. Part of a broader youth strategy Barcelona’s decision to hand Abdelkarim a long-term contract fits into a pattern the club has been weaving for several seasons. Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, and Lamine Yamal have all received similar treatment. Each was identified early, developed through the system or integrated quickly, and then locked into contracts meant to protect Barcelona’s investment ...