Barcelona open talks to secure Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim’s future

FC Barcelona have begun negotiations with Hamza Abdelkarim and his representatives over a new contract for the 18-year-old Egypt forward, with the club seeking to increase his current €15m release clause.

The Catalan club is looking to revise the terms of Abdelkarim’s agreement after being impressed by his performances during pre-season. Barcelona believe the teenager has shown enough potential to play an important role in the club’s future and want greater protection against interest from elsewhere.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, discussions are under way between Barcelona and the player’s representatives. However, the two parties have not yet reached a final agreement.

Abdelkarim’s existing deal runs until the summer of 2029. Barcelona exercised their option to buy the forward from Al Ahly in June, while he was still on loan at the Egyptian club, before confirming his permanent signing.

A central part of the proposed changes would be an increase in the release clause included in his contract. That clause is currently set at €15m, a figure Barcelona are understood to regard as too low given the player’s rapid progress.

Spanish journalist Gerard Romero had previously reported that Barcelona’s leadership was considering raising the clause to €150m. The club has not yet finalised that change, with negotiations continuing between all parties.

Abdelkarim’s performances during the club’s pre-season campaign have been a significant factor in Barcelona’s decision to seek revised terms. The teenager chose not to take a holiday after representing Egypt at the World Cup and instead joined Barcelona’s training camp under manager Hansi Flick.

He has featured in five friendly matches for Barcelona and scored four goals. His goals have included a brace against Birmingham City, one against Basel and another against his former club Al Ahly of Egypt.

Those displays have strengthened the coaching staff’s belief that Abdelkarim should be retained for the long term. Barcelona’s efforts to improve the release clause are intended to reflect the club’s growing confidence in the young forward and to make it more difficult for other clubs to sign him.

Barcelona are preparing for their first La Liga match against Elche on Sunday, which will be played during the second matchday. Their opening fixture against Athletic Bilbao was postponed and has been rescheduled for 27 August at Camp Nou.

The discussions over Abdelkarim’s contract are taking place as Barcelona assess the next stage of his development. While his current agreement already keeps him at the club until 2029, the proposed revision would provide a substantially higher financial safeguard if his progress continues.