Uncertain Future of Hamza at Barcelona

Barça has the young Egyptian forward protected, but the truth is that they are not giving him opportunities on the field.

Héctor Andreu | 27 Sep 2026 | 14.55
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Hamza throws doubts in Barcelona / FCBarcelona.es
Hamza throws doubts in Barcelona / FCBarcelona.es

La Liga
1 X 2
Real Betis Barcelona
17/10/26 18:30:00
6.50 5.00 1.38

Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian forward, continues to be a topic at FC Barcelona and remains in the club's plans despite expected loan offers in January. The club renewed his contract this month until 2030 and raised his release clause from 15 to 150 million euros, while Hansi Flick has a plan to gradually introduce him to the first team.

The financial commitment began earlier. Barça brought in the forward on loan from Al-Ahly in February and later triggered a purchase option of 1.5 million euros plus variables. His subsequent performance accelerated a contract extension that added a year to his previous deal, which was set to expire in 2029.

Hamza Abdelkarim, safeguarded with a clause of 150 million

FC Barcelona decided to review his contract after the preseason. Abdelkarim scored four goals during the 2026/27 season preparations and finished as the team's top scorer under Hansi Flick, having netted six times in nine matches with the Juvenil A team the previous season.

His previous release clause was set at 15 million euros, an amount deemed insufficient considering his progress and the interest surrounding the player. The new figure reaches 150 million, according to reports, although Barça did not officially disclose the amount when announcing the renewal.

As reported by Sport, this move comes after several clubs have monitored his development. There were loan offers over the summer, but the sporting direction chose to keep him in Barcelona and let him train regularly with the first team.

Therefore, his contract situation does not create urgency. Abdelkarim is tied until June 30, 2030, and both the club and his circle prioritize his continued development within the Blaugrana structure.

Hansi Flick has a plan to give him playing time in LaLiga

The issue now lies on the field. Hamza Abdelkarim has only featured for five minutes in LaLiga, all against Rayo Vallecano on August 31, despite being regularly included in the first team's matchday squads.

Competition explains part of that distribution. Gabriel Jesus occupies the central forward role, and Flick also has offensive alternatives that currently limit the Egyptian's opportunities.

The player himself has publicly acknowledged the situation. After renewing, he explained that playing time depends on the coach and his priority is to work to be prepared when opportunities arise. He also did not rule out competing with the reserve team if that path allows him to increase his participation.

Barcelona's plan is for him to play around 10 to 15 matches with the first team this season. This scenario may lead to new loan offers in January, but the roadmap currently does not envision an exit unless the forward himself deems his involvement inadequate.

Barcelona considers Hamza's future

Egypt offers Hamza the playing time he is yet to find at Barça

His situation with Egypt differs. Abdelkarim already took part in the 2026 World Cup and has secured a place in the national team's call-ups despite being only 18 years old.

The upcoming international commitment could further elevate his prominence. Egypt faces South Sudan on Tuesday, and with Mohamed Salah's absence, the Barcelona forward may start in the lineup.

The January transfer window will be the first evaluation point. If Hamza Abdelkarim approaches the envisaged 10-15 matches, continuity will remain the priority; if his minutes remain limited, loan offers will prompt FC Barcelona to reconsider the situation.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Futuro incierto de Hamza en el Barcelona