Barcelona set to trigger Hamza Abdelkarim’s €3 million release clause

Barcelona are reportedly edging closer to securing the long-term future of highly rated Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim.

The 18-year-old attacker joined Barcelona youth team in the winter transfer window on loan from Egyptian giants Al Ahly and has since established himself as key cog to the team.

Per reports, the Catalan giants are seriously considering triggering a clause worth around €3 million, with additional performance-related add-ons that could raise the total package to approximately €5 million.

The clause was reportedly inserted when Barcelona first reached an agreement with Al Ahly regarding the teenager’s development pathway and potential move to La Masia.

Despite no final public decision, internal discussions are said to be progressing positively, with strong support emerging from within the academy structure. The forward is viewed as one of the more promising attacking prospects linked to the club’s youth system in recent times, and his technical profile has reportedly impressed scouts and coaches working closely with La Masia.

A key figure in the evaluation process is believed to be José Ramón Alexanco, who oversees youth development at the club. While Alexanco has not publicly commented on the situation, sources close to the academy suggest he has spoken positively about the player’s potential during internal meetings, describing him as a talent with significant long-term upside if properly developed within Barcelona’s system.

One factor influencing Barcelona’s urgency is the growing external attention surrounding the player, particularly from his rising profile on the international stage. His expected involvement with the Egyptian national team is seen as an important milestone in his development, and club officials reportedly believe early integration into a stable club structure will be crucial for his progress.

The forward’s situation has also been complicated by administrative issues that previously limited his participation with Barcelona’s youth setup, including eligibility concerns that prevented him from featuring regularly for Barcelona Athletic. Despite these setbacks, the club has continued to monitor his progress closely and remains committed to resolving any outstanding formalities.

Within the club, there is a belief that securing the striker permanently would align with Barcelona’s long-term strategy of investing in young, high-upside talent who can be developed gradually through La Masia before transitioning into the senior squad. The club’s recent focus on rebuilding a sustainable talent pipeline has placed added importance on such opportunities.

For now, the decision is expected to be finalised in the coming period as Barcelona assess squad planning, academy needs, and the player’s development trajectory. While no official confirmation has been made, momentum appears to be building toward a permanent move, with the Catalan side increasingly inclined to secure the Egyptian forward’s services before rival interest grows further.