FC Barcelona extends Hamza Abdelkarim's contract to 2030

FC Barcelona has rejected loan offers for 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, opting instead to keep him at the club to facilitate his development. Sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick believe the player needs time to adapt and benefit from training with the first team.

Flick has described Abdelkarim as a ‘striker number 9 for the future’ due to his specialized ability within the penalty area. To secure his long-term future, the club has extended his contract until June 2030 and increased his release clause tenfold, from 15 million euros to 150 million euros.

Abdelkarim joined Barcelona from Egypt's Al Ahly in February and scored six goals in nine youth team matches. A formal signing ceremony attended by President Joan Laporta is expected to take place this coming Tuesday.