Barcelona Boosts Young Star's Clause to €150M

Barcelona has decided to reward young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim for his recent standout performances. The Catalan club is preparing a substantial contract improvement for the 18-year-old, whose current deal extends until 2029. This move includes a significant increase in his release clause and a corresponding pay rise.

The club plans to raise Abdelkarim's release clause from 15 million euros to 150 million euros, signaling their high valuation of the talent. This substantial adjustment aims to protect one of their most promising rising stars. His salary will also be elevated to reflect his growing importance.

Abdelkarim, who possesses the traits of a classic "number 9" with a strong scoring instinct and physical presence, joined Barcelona last season from Al Ahly. The club activated his permanent purchase clause after a loan spell, paying an initial 1.5 million euros plus potential add-ons.

His pre-season form was particularly notable, scoring twice against Birmingham and featuring prominently in other matches, finishing as Barcelona's top scorer. This impressive showing has positioned him for a potential debut in La Liga, with coach Hansi Flick having included him in several pre-season games.

With the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona has an opening for a traditional "number 9," creating an opportunity for Abdelkarim to develop and prove his worth alongside the first team's established stars.