Barcelona hold back Hamza Abdelkarim as club prepare major release-clause increase

Barcelona have limited teenage Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim to just four minutes in the opening three La Liga matches, with the club’s decision reportedly linked to his current contract rather than only sporting considerations.

Abdelkarim was one of Barcelona’s standout performers during pre-season, scoring four of the team’s 10 goals and finishing as their leading scorer during the preparations for the new campaign. Raphinha and Bisio scored twice each, while Karim Adeyemi and Lamine Yamal added one goal apiece.

Those performances raised expectations that Abdelkarim would be given a significant opportunity once competitive football began. The 18-year-old’s form came at a time when Barcelona were also finding it difficult to sign another striker during the transfer window.

However, his involvement in the opening rounds has been minimal. Abdelkarim came on for the final four minutes of the emphatic victory over Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou, but he was not used against Elche at Estadio Martinez Valero or in the match against Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona’s results have so far provided support for head coach Hansi Flick’s attacking selections. Raphinha has made an especially strong start, scoring five goals in the first three rounds of La Liga.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, though, the Brazil forward’s form is not the only reason Abdelkarim has not been given more playing time. The report says Barcelona are also taking into account the striker’s contractual situation, with his current release clause set at only €15m.

The club’s board believe that figure does not reflect the potential Abdelkarim showed in pre-season or the interest he could attract from clubs across Europe, particularly in the Premier League.

Sport reports that Flick’s decision to restrict the player’s involvement in official matches was made in coordination with Barcelona’s sporting department, led by Deco. The intention was reportedly to avoid Abdelkarim making a major impact while the transfer market remained open, which could have encouraged other clubs to attempt to sign him by paying the relatively low release clause.

Once the transfer window closed, Barcelona planned to begin negotiations over a revised contract for Abdelkarim. Discussions about improving his terms had already been considered, but were delayed by the workload surrounding the final days of the transfer market.

The proposed new agreement would increase the striker’s release clause to €150m. That would represent a 900% rise on the current figure and give Barcelona considerably greater protection before potentially handing him a more prominent role with the first team.

For now, Abdelkarim is expected to remain registered with Barcelona Atletic while continuing to train in the first-team environment. His chances of playing a larger part in the weeks ahead will depend on Flick’s assessment and whether the manager decides to increase his involvement.

The Egyptian’s restricted start has therefore created a contrast with his pre-season form. He emerged as Barcelona’s top scorer during the warm-up matches, but the club have chosen to manage his competitive exposure carefully while seeking to secure his longer-term future.