Barcelona set to increase Hamza Abdelkarim release clause tenfold

Barcelona are preparing to reward Egypt Under-? striker Hamza Abdelkarim with a major improvement to his contract after his impressive performances for the club’s youth side and during pre-season with the first team.

The 18-year-old’s release clause is expected to rise from €15m to €150m, according to Catalan newspaper Sport, in a move that underlines Barcelona’s growing belief in his potential.

Abdelkarim’s current contract runs until 2029. Barcelona also plan to increase his salary so it reflects his changing status within the squad and the value placed on one of the club’s most promising young players.

The proposed changes would provide the Egyptian forward with an agreement more closely aligned with Barcelona’s expectations that he can become an important member of the first team, both now and in the future.

Abdelkarim has attracted attention because of his qualities as a traditional number nine. He has shown a clear eye for goal, impressive physical strength and the ability to finish chances with his first touch, particularly with his left foot.

From Al Ahly to the Barcelona first team

The forward joined Barcelona last season from Egyptian club Al Ahly on loan. Barcelona decided to activate the permanent purchase option during the summer, leading to a contract that keeps him at Camp Nou until 2029.

Al Ahly received an initial €1.5m, with a further €5m available through performance-related bonuses linked to the player’s achievements.

After representing Egypt at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Abdelkarim returned to club duty and moved straight into training with Barcelona’s senior squad.

His pre-season campaign in England proved particularly significant. He scored twice on his first appearance against Birmingham and continued to impress in the match against Basel before making his mark in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Abdelkarim scored in the Joan Gamper Trophy but chose not to celebrate out of respect for his former club. Despite that gesture, the goal reinforced his scoring ability, and he finished pre-season as Barcelona’s leading scorer.

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Chance of a La Liga debut

Abdelkarim could make his competitive debut for Barcelona in La Liga when they face Elche on Sunday.

He is expected to be included in the matchday squad and could be given some playing time after manager Hansi Flick selected him in the starting line-up for several pre-season matches.

A place in the starting XI for the opening league fixture would still be difficult to secure, but his inclusion in the squad appears likely. His physical presence and finishing ability could give Flick an attacking option to use during the game.

The Egyptian’s progress has been helped by the opportunity to train and play alongside Barcelona’s senior players. Although he is only 18, his strength and instinct in front of goal have marked him out as a forward capable of developing a long career at the club.

Barcelona’s current options also provide him with an opening. The club do not currently have a recognised number nine after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, potentially giving Abdelkarim more room to establish himself and continue his development around the first-team stars.

The planned tenfold increase in his release clause would make clear that Barcelona intend to protect that investment. It would also represent a significant show of confidence in a striker who has quickly moved from Al Ahly’s set-up into consideration for a senior role at Camp Nou.