Al Ahly confirmed the deal on Wednesday, announcing that "the Spanish club Barcelona requests the activation of Hamza Abdelkarim's purchase option."
The fee includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause for the Egyptian club, meaning if Barcelona eventually sell at a significant profit, Al Ahly will receive a share.
Abdelkarim, born January 1, 2008, arrived at Barcelona in February on a loan from Al Ahly until June 30, with an option to buy. He was placed in the Barça Atlètic Under-19 side and, after a period unable to be registered due to administrative complications, quickly demonstrated that the wait was worthwhile.
In seven Under-19 league appearances he scored five goals, including a hat-trick in just 15 minutes during a 9-0 victory over Montecarlo. Such performances were sufficient for Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan to hand him a senior call-up for the World Cup — making him the youngest Egyptian and the youngest Arab player to appear at the tournament.
Barcelona had beaten Bayern Munich, Olympique Lyon and AC Milan to secure his signature back in February, when the player had established himself as one of the most watched teenage prospects in African football following performances at both the Under-17 World Cup and the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the club is tracking his progress with intent.
"We are planning the pre-season and looking to bring in new faces from La Masia — something I have done from the beginning. When Hamza comes back from the World Cup, we will see if he is an option for us."
In Egypt, he has been nicknamed "the new Salah" and "the Pharaoh of Goals." The comparisons carry their own pressure for a teenager who has spent fewer than five months in European football.
He returns from the World Cup in July. Barcelona, having committed to his future with the purchase, will then decide whether to integrate him into the Barça Atlètic senior squad or accelerate the timeline further.