Barcelona set to reward Hamza Abdelkarim and two academy breakthroughs

Barcelona are turning their attention to new contracts for Marc Bernal, Hamza Abdelkarim and Xavi Espart after completing their summer transfer business, with sporting director Deco aiming to protect three of the club’s most promising young players.

The Catalan club signed five players before the transfer window closed on Tuesday. Deco now has a clearer picture of Barcelona’s financial fair play position, taking into account the space created by departing players who also occupied a significant part of the wage bill, including Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the club’s sporting department is now focused on securing the futures of its strategic assets.

Barcelona deliberately postponed renewal negotiations until after the transfer window had shut. Their priority during the summer was identifying new signings and organising the expected departures. With that work complete, contract discussions are now set to begin.

Marc Bernal is the first of the three players already to have been involved in talks. Deco met the midfielder’s representative last August, shortly after Barcelona completed the signing of Rodri.

The purpose of that meeting was partly to reassure Bernal that the arrival of Spain captain Rodri would not block his progress. Barcelona have maintained that they hold the young player in extremely high regard.

The club also used the meeting to present a proposal for an improved and extended contract. Bernal is currently tied to Barcelona until 2029, but the club wants to add a further two years to that agreement and improve his financial terms in recognition of his outstanding performances.

Barcelona are keen to avoid any unexpected developments in Bernal’s situation. They are aware that several clubs would be prepared to pay substantial sums to sign him, attracted both by his ability and his age.

Abdelkarim’s release clause in focus

The most urgent contract adjustment concerns Hamza Abdelkarim, whose development has been described as remarkably rapid.

At the end of last season, Barcelona activated a €1.5m purchase option for the Egyptian forward after he had been included in Egypt’s squad for the World Cup.

Abdelkarim made only a brief appearance during the club’s tour of the United States but still made a very strong impression, according to Marca. During Barcelona’s preparations, he finished as the team’s leading scorer.

His existing €15m release clause is now considered outdated in light of his continued progress. Deco is therefore expected to work on improving the player’s contract and increasing the clause to €150m.

Barcelona want to strengthen Abdelkarim’s connection with the club while assessing the role he can play during the current season. He faces competition from some of the best players in the world, while the arrival of Gabriel Jesus is viewed as another factor that could limit his opportunities.

Espart emerges on the left

Xavi Espart is the third player Barcelona want to tie down with improved terms.

The academy graduate has been one of the biggest surprises of pre-season and the opening league matches after establishing himself at left-back.

Barcelona intend to reward his performances with a better contract. However, his current deal does not expire until 2028, meaning the club does not face the same immediate pressure as it does with Abdelkarim.

Even so, Barcelona do not want to leave the renewal too long, as Espart’s emergence has added another promising name to their developing squad.