Barcelona raise Hamza Abdelkarim’s release clause tenfold after contract renewal | OneFootball

Barcelona have moved to protect Hamza Abdelkarim after outside interest in the young striker prompted the club to strengthen his new contract.

As part of the deal, as reported by SPORT, the Egyptian’s release clause has jumped from €15 million to €150 million.

The change is part of a massive improvement to Abdelkarim’s terms, with the teenager also receiving a significant salary increase, as Barcelona see him as part of the club’s long-term plans and have no desire to leave his future exposed.

Barcelona acted after clubs tested the waters

It is said that Abdelkarim’s situation attracted severe attention during the summer, when several clubs made informal enquiries about the forward.

Barcelona were not prepared to let that interest develop into something more serious. Rather than wait for potential approaches to become concrete, the club moved to secure the player on improved terms.

Barcelona have increased Hamza Abdelkarim’s release clause to €150 million. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

As far as negotiations are concerned, Barcelona and Abdelkarim’s representatives needed only two meetings to reach an agreement. 

A €150m message to the market

The most notable part of the agreement is undoubtedly the release clause, as moving from €15m to €150m changes Abdelkarim’s position completely, 

This means any club interested in the Egyptian can no longer realistically view his existing clause as an inexpensive route to securing the young attacker.

The club has been impressed by Abdelkarim’s development and does not want his progress to be disrupted by outside interest. 

Barcelona have complete confidence in the Egyptian forward. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Raising the clause alongside his salary is therefore as much about long-term planning as it is about rewarding the player.

Barcelona have complete confidence in the player

A tenfold increase in the release clause, combined with improved financial terms, is not something a club does without strong conviction in a young player.

For Abdelkarim, it provides greater security and recognition of his growing status within Barcelona’s plans. 

For the club, it removes a potential vulnerability before interest in the striker can turn into a formal transfer battle.