Barcelona have made an excellent start to the 2026-27 season, winning all three of their La Liga matches thus far – and scoring 12 goals in the process. They have done this without using a recognised striker, with Raphinha having been deployed in that position by Hansi Flick.
Barcelona may have been excellent in front of goal, but it has been a surprise that Hamza Abdelkarim has barely been counted on by Flick. [The 18-year-old was a revelation during pre-season](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/hamza-abdelkarim-reacts-after-scoring-twice-in-barcelona-preseason-clash-with-birmingham/), and despite not having another natural striker in the squad, he has only featured for four minutes across the three matches.
However, there has been a reason for this, and it is not related to tactics. As per [Sport](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/estrategia-flick-barca-hamza-abdelkarim-133876109), the decision to sideline Abdelkarim was taken to avoid him showcasing his skills, which would have alerted clubs to his very affordable €15m release clause.
Barcelona have been burned in the past with a similar case. In 2023, Marc Guiu burst on to the scene with two goals in seven first team appearances, and his performances attracted the attention of Chelsea, who managed to sign him by triggering his €6m release clause – a figure much lower than his actual value.
In this regard, it makes sense for Barcelona to protect themselves from losing Abdelkarim against their will. Now that the transfer window is closed, the situation will be evaluated, with the idea being for the Egypt international to be handed a new contract with a €150m release clause, a 900% increase from its current valuation.
Upping Abdelkarim’s release clause will protect Barcelona, while it will also allow the teenager more opportunities to feature for the first team. Flick likes him a lot, so it would be no surprise to see him get regular minutes once his contract situation is sorted.