Barcelona open talks to improve Hamza Abdulkareem contract

Barcelona have opened negotiations with Egyptian forward Hamza Abdulkareem and his representatives over an improved contract, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The talks are aimed at revising the 18-year-old’s current terms and increasing his release clause, which is understood to stand at €15m. No final agreement has been reached, but Barcelona are seeking to secure the Egyptian international’s long-term future at the club.

Barcelona activated their option to buy Abdulkareem from Al Ahly last June following a loan spell. The club subsequently announced that he had signed a contract running until the summer of 2029.

However, his impressive performances for Barcelona’s first team during pre-season have prompted the club to act sooner rather than later. Romano reports that discussions with the player and his representatives are now under way as Barcelona consider an improved deal.

The possibility of a substantial increase to Abdulkareem’s release clause had already been raised in Spain. Transfer specialist Gerard Romero reported several days ago that Barcelona’s board was considering increasing the figure to €150m.

Abdulkareem chose not to take his allotted break after representing Egypt at the World Cup. Instead, he joined Hansi Flick’s first-team squad for pre-season preparations.

The forward made five appearances during the preparation period and finished as Barcelona’s leading scorer, with four goals. He scored twice against Birmingham City, found the net against Basel and also scored against his former club Al Ahly.

Those performances have strengthened the case for Barcelona to protect one of their emerging attacking options, although the proposed contract changes remain under negotiation.

Barcelona are preparing to begin the new season with a match against Elche on Sunday in the second round of La Liga. Their opening-round fixture against Athletic Club was postponed and is scheduled to be played on Thursday, 27 August.

That match will take place at Camp Nou, where Abdulkareem will hope his strong pre-season form can lead to further opportunities under Flick.