Barcelona expected to confirm signing of Egyptian forward in coming weeks: Reports

Barcelona are reportedly close to completing a deal for Hamza Abdelkarim. The Egyptian youngster currently plays for Al Ahly but is keen on a move to the Spanish giants.

As per SPORT, the Blaugrana have been monitoring Abdelkarim for a while now. The 17-year-old came through Al Ahly's academy and has made two senior appearances for them. He plays as a centre-forward and has impressed in youth set-ups.

Barcelona are looking to sign Abdelkarim and add him to their reserve team. They could confirm his signing by the end of the year, as they are in discussions with Al Ahly about a potential deal. The Saudi Arabian side are looking for a significant fee, along with performance-related add-ons, if he's promoted to the first team.

Abdelkarim, meanwhile, is keen to join the Spanish giants. They have also reportedly promised him a place in the first-team pre-season camp next summer if he joins them this winter. He will turn 18 in January, so his joining won't be an issue either.

Barcelona have moved ahead of the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan in the race to sign Abdelkarim.

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick highlights areas of improvement of Lamine Yamal

The Blaugrana are set to face Real Betis at Estadio de La Cartuja in LaLiga on Saturday, December 6. Ahead of the game, Hansi Flick heaped praise on star forward Lamine Yamal. He also said that the La Masia graduate has improved in defensive areas of his game, saying (h/t Barca Universal):

“We always talk about players in offensive and defensive roles; he also helped the team a lot against Atlético by pressing. He has improved a lot in defence, but also in attack; the level he is showing is fantastic, I love watching him.

“He is a player who always wants to improve; he wants to keep going and beat the next opponent. Sometimes it’s not easy, there are many players in La Liga who like these one-on-one situations, but in Lamine’s case, 90% of the time it’s a foul, but he keeps going. You have to know how to make the right decisions, have confidence in yourself and be able to contribute.”

Yamal has faced some injury issues this season, but has been productive when available. He's scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 15 games across competitions. He's helped Barcelona sit atop the LaLiga table after 15 games, one point above Real Madrid.