Barcelona prepare new contract for Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim

Barcelona are reportedly working to secure the long-term future of young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim after making his move to the Catalan giants permanent this summer.

The 18-year-old forward joined Barcelona on a permanent basis following a loan spell from Egyptian giants Al Ahly, with the Spanish club paying €1.5 million to complete the transfer.

Despite only recently making the move permanent, Barcelona are already looking to improve Abdelkarim’s contract as they seek to protect one of their promising young talents from interest elsewhere.

According to reports, the Catalan club have opened discussions with Abdelkarim and his representatives over a new agreement that would include improved terms.

One of Barcelona’s main objectives is reportedly to strengthen the player’s release clause. His current contract contains a €15 million buyout clause, which the club considers too low given his potential and the attention he has attracted following an impressive pre-season.

Barcelona could increase the release clause dramatically, with some sources claiming the figure under consideration could reach €150 million.

However, no agreement has yet been reached between the club and the player’s representatives, meaning negotiations are still ongoing.

Barcelona’s decision to move quickly is understandable given the impression Abdelkarim has made since arriving at the club.

The Egyptian forward has enjoyed an excellent pre-season campaign, scoring four goals in four friendly matches and showing enough quality to attract attention from the coaching staff.

Abdelkarim was primarily deployed as a centre-forward during Barcelona’s pre-season preparations, particularly following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

His performances have provided encouragement that the youngster could develop into an important attacking option for the Catalan side.

For Abdelkarim, the opportunity represents a major step in his career. After developing in Egypt and spending time with Al Ahly, he now finds himself at one of Europe’s biggest clubs and has already begun making an impression.

Barcelona, meanwhile, appear determined not to take any chances with his future. By negotiating a new contract and potentially raising his release clause, the club would gain greater protection against potential approaches from rival clubs.

The negotiations are expected to continue, with both parties yet to reach a final agreement on the new terms.

For now, Abdelkarim remains focused on establishing himself at Barcelona, while the club works behind the scenes to ensure that one of its most promising young forwards remains part of its long-term plans.