Barcelona limits Hamza Abdelkarim playing time to avoid contract clauses

Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim has seen limited action in the early LaLiga season despite scoring four goals during the club's pre-season campaign. Manager Hansi Flick restricted the player's minutes following the summer transfer window to prevent other teams from activating a €15 million release clause. By limiting his appearances, the club also deferred significant performance-based payments owed to his former club, Al Ahly, which include variable fees based on match participation and goal totals. With the transfer window now closed, Barcelona plans to negotiate a new contract with the player to increase his release clause to €150 million. Abdelkarim recorded only four minutes of action in the recent match against Rayo Vallecano and did not feature in the opening games against Elche or Athletic Club.

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