After Ferran Torres, Luis Enrique sets sights on another Barcelona star as PSG weigh up full buyout clause
· Yahoo Sports
Barcelona are facing another contract dilemma involving one of their young talents, withParis Saint-Germain ready to test their resolve over Hamza Abdelkarim.
The 18-year-old Egyptian striker has emerged as a target for PSG, with Luis Enrique particularly convinced by what he has seen from the youngster.
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Barcelona are already working to secure Abdelkarim’s future, but PSG’s interest could make those negotiations considerably more complicated.
Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty ImagesBarcelona working to prevent PSG from signing Abdelkarim
Joan Laporta and Deco have already opened discussions with Abdelkarim’s agent, with talks having been ongoing for a couple of weeks.
Barcelona’s intention is to reach an agreement quickly and announce the striker’s renewal this month.
The club’s urgency is understandable given the release clause currently included in Abdelkarim’s contract.
The figure stands at just €15 million, a valuation PSG would have no problem meeting. The French club also have the financial strength to offer Abdelkarim a considerably higher salary than Barcelona can afford.
That leaves Barcelona with a difficult task as they attempt to convince the youngster to commit his long-term future to the club before his value increases further.
PSG’s interest is being driven by Luis Enrique, who has already advised Nasser Al-Khelaïfi to keep a close eye on Abdelkarim.
The French club’s head coach has been impressed by the striker’s performances in pre-season and believes he has the qualities needed to become one of the best players in the world.
Abdelkarim has only featured for a few minutes in official football so far, including an appearance against Rayo Vallecano.
Despite that limited experience, Luis Enrique is already convinced about his potential and sees him developing into one of the best No. 9s of the next decade.
The PSG boss reportedly believes Abdelkarim can reach the level of elite strikers such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski, Edinson Cavani and Erling Haaland.
Barcelona therefore have a clear objective: complete Abdelkarim’s renewal before PSG can take advantage of his €15 million release clause.
However according to ‘Le Parisien’, PSG are reportedly determined to prevent that from happening and are targeting a January move for the Egyptian.
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