As the summer transfer window has closed, FC Barcelona has shifted its focus to securing the futures of some of its most promising academy graduates who have recently made their mark on the first team. The club is actively working to update the contracts and release clauses of Xavi Espart, Hamza Abdelkarim, and Brian Farinas, ensuring that their terms align with their new roles in the squad.
Reports indicate that discussions regarding these contract improvements began several weeks ago, with early indications suggesting that negotiations have been positive across the board. Barcelona aims to finalize these new agreements within September, which would not only bolster the players' contracts but also mitigate the risk of larger European clubs capitalizing on their relatively low release clauses.
Xavi Espart, in particular, has seen his release clause set at approximately €20 million, a figure that no longer accurately represents his value to the team. Since the start of the season, Espart has emerged as a key player, starting in all three of Barcelona’s initial La Liga matches. His impressive performances have earned him the No. 12 shirt in the first-team squad, and the club is keen to significantly raise his release clause to reflect his growing importance.
Barcelona's objective is to establish a release clause that serves as a strong deterrent for interested clubs, highlighting the confidence that both head coach Hansi Flick and the club's management have in Espart's long-term potential. In a similar vein, Hamza Abdelkarim's situation is particularly notable. Currently, his release clause stands at just €15 million, a figure that was set when he joined Barcelona from Al Ahly earlier this summer. Following a successful loan spell and standout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his market value has surged.
Consequently, Barcelona is looking to increase Hamza’s release clause tenfold, aiming to raise it to €150 million. Initial discussions have already taken place, and reports suggest that negotiations are progressing favorably. This significant increase would not only secure Hamza’s future at the club but also reflect his burgeoning status as a valuable asset.
Brian Farinas, like Espart, is also in a position where his current release clause of around €20 million does not reflect his recent elevation to the first team. The 20-year-old midfielder has been assigned the No. 4 shirt and is on the cusp of making his competitive debut. Barcelona intends to enhance Farinas’ release clause and salary to match his new role within the squad.
Flick has played a pivotal role in Farinas’ rapid ascent, intervening to block a proposed move to Girona during the summer and subsequently including him in the first-team setup. The club is keen to avoid a situation reminiscent of past departures, ensuring that the release clauses for Espart, Hamza, and Farinas are updated to safeguard their futures at Barcelona.
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