Barcelona tie down Egyptian wonderkid Hamza Abdelkarim down until 2030 with €150m release clause

Barcelona have moved swiftly to secure the future of Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, agreeing a new contract that will keep the 18-year-old at the club until June 2030.

The decision reflects the youngster’s remarkable rise since his arrival from Al Ahly and the growing confidence within Barcelona that he can become an important player for the club in the coming years.

Abdelkarim joined Barcelona on loan in January before the Spanish giants exercised their €1.5 million purchase option in June. He initially signed a deal running until 2029, but his rapid progress has now earned him improved terms and an additional year on his contract.

One of the most significant changes will be the protection Barcelona have placed around the Egyptian striker. His previous release clause was set at €15 million, a figure that has become considerably less attractive to the club following his emergence into the first-team picture.

The clause is now expected to rise to €150 million, giving Barcelona a much stronger position should other clubs attempt to make a move for the highly-rated forward.

Abdelkarim’s progress has been particularly impressive since he was given the opportunity to train and play with the senior squad under Hansi Flick.

After beginning his Barcelona career with the Juvenil A side, the Egyptian caught the attention of Flick during pre-season. He finished the preparations as Barcelona’s leading scorer with four goals, strengthening his case for involvement with the first team.

That progression eventually resulted in his senior competitive debut against Rayo Vallecano on August 31, another major milestone for a player who had only arrived at the club earlier in the year.

Barcelona now appear determined to ensure that Abdelkarim’s rapid development is accompanied by a long-term commitment from both sides.

The contract extension also represents a significant change in the teenager’s status. He arrived from Al Ahly for a relatively modest €1.5 million, but within months Barcelona have transformed his situation by handing him a contract until 2030 and placing a €150 million release figure on his services.

The renewal is expected to be formally signed in the presence of Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Tuesday, September 15.

For Abdelkarim, the new agreement provides further evidence of the faith Barcelona have placed in his potential, while the club will hope the Egyptian striker can continue his development and establish himself as a regular member of Flick’s first-team plans.