How Barcelona broke their own rules for Egypt talent Hamza Abdelkarim

Barcelona have rewarded Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim’s rapid development by agreeing a new contract that will significantly increase his release clause.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Abdelkarim originally signed a deal running until 2029 when he joined the Catalan giants, with a €15 million release clause. However, his progress on and off the pitch has convinced Barcelona to renegotiate the terms.

Barcelona raise Hamza’s release clause

The value of Abdelkarim’s new release clause has not been officially disclosed by Barcelona, although Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano estimates it could rise to €150 million.

The Egyptian forward is expected to formally sign the new agreement next Tuesday, 15 September, at 17:00 local time in the office of Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

Abdelkarim will then speak to the media, in a move that highlights the club’s growing confidence in the young striker.

Barcelona make exception for Egyptian striker

It is unusual for Barcelona players to face the media after renewing their contracts, but the club has decided to make an exception for Abdelkarim.

The decision is partly linked to the fact that the Egyptian was not given a formal media presentation when he initially joined Barcelona.

The club now wants to give the youngster an opportunity to address the media as he continues his rapid rise within the first-team setup.

Egypt international impresses after World Cup call-up

Abdelkarim began his Barcelona career with the youth team under coach Paul Planas before receiving an unexpected opportunity with the Egypt national team.

Despite not making an appearance for Barcelona Athletic, the striker was called up by the Pharaohs for the World Cup.

He featured during the closing stages of Egypt’s matches before immediately returning to Barcelona for pre-season, leaving him with little time to enjoy a break.

His performances during the preparations for the new season further strengthened his case for first-team involvement.

Hamza catches Flick’s attention

Abdelkarim ended Barcelona’s pre-season friendly campaign as the club’s leading scorer, earning him a place in Hansi Flick’s squad for the opening matches of the season.

The Egyptian striker was handed his first-team debut when he played nine minutes in Barcelona’s victory over Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou.

His rapid progress has now been rewarded with improved contractual terms and a dramatically higher release clause, underlining Barcelona’s belief in the Egyptian forward’s potential.