Barcelona seek major release-clause increase for Hamza Abdelkarim

Barcelona have begun urgent negotiations to renew Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim’s contract, with the club seeking to increase his release clause from €15m to €150m.

Club officials met Abdelkarim’s agent, Christian Emile, at Barcelona’s training ground two days ago to establish the framework for a new agreement. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, discussions have made positive progress as Barcelona attempt to secure the player’s long-term future.

The Catalan club believes the current terms of Abdelkarim’s contract no longer reflect his potential or development. He is regarded internally as one of the most promising players identified by Barcelona’s scouting department and has made a strong impression since the start of the season.

Abdelkarim joined Barcelona from Al Ahly for a reported fee of only €1.5m. He ended the club’s summer preparations as its leading scorer after finding the net four times, strengthening the belief that his existing release clause represents a significant risk.

Barcelona are concerned that another club could exploit the €15m clause and sign the forward before his value increases further. That has encouraged the club to move quickly and open talks with his representatives rather than wait for his progress to attract greater outside interest.

The situation has also been influenced by Barcelona’s recent experience with attacking midfielder Pedro Fernandez Sarmiento, better known as Dro. He left for Paris Saint-Germain in January after the French club paid his €6m release clause.

That departure was regarded by Barcelona as a “betrayal”, with the player’s exit proving particularly painful for the club. Head coach Hansi Flick expressed his disappointment at the time, saying: “If someone wants to play for Barcelona, they have to live and breathe the club’s colours with every fibre of their being.”

A previous Sport report also questioned the unexpected plan that had seen Abdelkarim play only four minutes for Barcelona. Despite the limited playing time referenced in that report, the club continues to hold him in high regard.

Barcelona’s admiration extends beyond the Egyptian’s technical ability. Reports indicate that officials have been impressed by his attitude and professionalism, both during matches and away from the pitch.

Abdelkarim is described as calm and reserved in his private life, while showing a stronger personality during games. He has also demonstrated a willingness to work under Flick and carry out the responsibilities asked of him by the manager.

His adjustment to life in Barcelona has reportedly progressed well. The forward lives close to the club’s training ground and is said to be concentrating fully on football and his continued development.

Away from the pitch, Abdelkarim prefers to keep a low profile and avoid publicity. Barcelona see that focus, alongside his performances and attitude, as further reasons to strengthen his contract before other clubs have the opportunity to act.