Barcelona are preparing new contract offers for Hamza Abdelkarim, Xavi Espart and Brian Farinas after the young trio made encouraging starts to the season, according to SPORT.
The club’s priority is to protect three of its most highly regarded prospects from being lost for relatively modest transfer fees. Barcelona’s decision-makers are understood to be concerned that the players’ current release clauses could allow other clubs to make affordable approaches.
Talks with the representatives of Abdelkarim, Espart and Farinas began about two weeks ago. The discussions are focused on improving the players’ terms and raising their respective release clauses.
Barcelona are particularly keen to avoid a repeat of last season, when Dro left the club to join Paris St-Germain. That departure has increased the sense of urgency around retaining the club’s emerging talent, with optimism now growing that agreements can be reached for all three players.
Espart has made the most immediate impact at senior level this season. The 19-year-old appears to have established himself as Barcelona’s first-choice left-back and has played every minute of the club’s three LaLiga matches so far.
He has also contributed two assists during that run. Despite his strong start, Espart’s existing release clause is reportedly €20m, a figure Barcelona believe does not sufficiently reflect his importance or potential.
The club are therefore seeking improved protection in any new agreement with the defender. Increasing the clause would make it more difficult for rival teams to recruit him without Barcelona’s consent.
Abdelkarim, 18, only joined Barcelona this summer from Egyptian club Al Ahly. However, the forward or attacking player impressed during pre-season and has already convinced the club that his contract should be reviewed.
Barcelona want to offer him improved terms and raise his current €15m release clause. His arrival from Al Ahly was followed by a strong pre-season, prompting the club to act swiftly rather than wait for a longer period before considering a new deal.
Farinas is the third player involved in the negotiations. The 20-year-old midfielder came close to moving to Girona during the transfer window, but Barcelona manager Hansi Flick intervened and the player ultimately remained at the club.
Farinas has not played for Barcelona this season, although the club still considers him an important part of its plans and wants to increase his €15m release clause.
The three cases reflect Barcelona’s attempt to secure the futures of promising young players before their market value rises further. While Espart has already become a regular in the team, Abdelkarim has impressed since arriving and Farinas was retained after interest from Girona.
Barcelona’s negotiations with the players’ representatives are ongoing. The club’s aim is to ensure that the trio cannot be taken for fees it considers manageable, while rewarding their progress with revised contracts.