Luis Enrique backs PSG move for Barcelona prospect Hamza Abdelkarim

Paris Saint-Germain are preparing an approach for Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim after manager Luis Enrique identified the Egypt Under-? player as a potential future elite striker. The 18-year-old is currently with Barcelona, but PSG are reportedly determined to prevent him from signing a new contract at Camp Nou.

According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Enrique has recommended that the French champions pursue Abdelkarim, whom he believes has the ability and potential to become one of the best players in the world.

Abdelkarim is regarded as one of the most promising young forwards currently emerging in football. His performances during Barcelona’s pre-season preparations reportedly impressed Enrique, who hopes PSG can persuade the teenager not to extend his agreement with the Catalan club.

The report says Enrique is convinced Abdelkarim can become one of the leading number nines of the next decade. He is also believed to feel the forward could eventually reach the level of strikers such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski, Edinson Cavani and Erling Haaland.

Barcelona are aware that competing with Paris Saint-Germain’s financial strength could prove difficult. The French club would be capable of offering the 18-year-old a considerably higher salary than Barcelona can afford.

PSG would also have no problem paying the relatively small release clause in Abdelkarim’s current contract. That figure is reported to be €15m, making a move financially manageable for the Ligue 1 club.

Barcelona are therefore keen to secure the player’s future before his value rises further. The club want Abdelkarim to sign a new long-term contract, which would both strengthen their hold on the forward and increase the value of his release clause.

President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have already acted to avoid losing time. They have reportedly been negotiating with Abdelkarim’s representative for the past two weeks in an effort to agree a renewal.

However, Le Parisien reports that Paris Saint-Germain will do everything possible to prevent Barcelona from completing that agreement. The French club are expected to try to sign Abdelkarim in January.

The situation leaves Barcelona facing a race to secure the Egypt forward’s commitment before PSG can make use of their financial advantage and the player’s existing release clause. Enrique’s reported support for the move has added to the pressure on the Spanish club as they attempt to keep one of their most highly rated young attackers.

The reports have also prompted further discussion among supporters, with the subject being debated in the Kooora forums.