Barcelona draw up new contract plans for Abdelkarim and two academy standouts

Barcelona have begun work on new contracts for three of their most promising young players, with Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim at the centre of what has been described as a club “shield operation”.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Barcelona’s sporting department, led by Deco, is preparing improved deals and significantly higher release clauses for Abdelkarim, midfielder Marc Bernal and left-back Xavi Espart.

The plans follow the conclusion of the summer transfer window, during which Barcelona signed five players and moved on several members of the squad with high salaries. That work has given the club the opportunity to focus on extending the contracts of the young players it considers central to the team’s future.

Abdelkarim has emerged as the leading name on the list after attracting attention over recent months. Barcelona activated the option to make his move permanent for €1.5m after he represented Egypt at the World Cup.

The forward then continued to impress and finished as Barcelona’s top scorer during pre-season ahead of the new campaign.

Marca reports that the club is preparing a substantial improvement to Abdelkarim’s contract. His release clause is expected to rise from €15m to €150m, a move that would underline Barcelona’s belief in his potential and strengthen their protection against interest from other European clubs.

The Egyptian will not be the only player involved in the project. Barcelona are also working on an extension for Bernal that would keep him at the club until 2031, while his salary would also increase.

Deco has reportedly reassured Bernal that the possible signing of Rodri would not damage his position or prospects at Barcelona. That message is intended to underline the club’s confidence in the midfielder as part of its long-term plans.

Espart is the third player included in the so-called shield operation. The young left-back made a strong impression during pre-season and established himself in the first-team picture at the beginning of the season.

His progress has encouraged Barcelona to accelerate discussions over an improved contract. Espart’s current agreement runs until 2028.

Barcelona chose to delay renewal negotiations until the summer transfer window had closed, allowing the sporting department to concentrate first on incoming transfers and departures. With that work completed, the club has now turned its attention to securing the futures of the young players it sees as the foundation of its project in the years ahead.

The approach reflects Barcelona’s desire to protect emerging talent before increased performances and wider interest create greater uncertainty over their long-term positions. Abdelkarim, Bernal and Espart are now the first focus of the club’s post-window contract strategy.

The developments have also prompted wider discussion among supporters, with football fans able to debate the latest news and related issues on Kooora forums.