Barcelona are wasting no time protecting the next generation of talent, with the club reportedly beginning a fresh round of contract talks aimed at securing the futures of three promising youngsters: Marc Bernal, Hamza Abdelkarim and Xavi Espart.
According to reports from Marca, the club’s sporting department, led by Deco, has activated what has been described as an “Operation Shield” following the conclusion of the summer transfer window. The objective is simple: strengthen the contracts of some of the club’s most valuable young assets before outside interest becomes a serious threat.
Marc Bernal is one of the main priorities. Barcelona are reportedly preparing to extend his agreement until 2031 while also improving his salary. The midfielder has already earned a place around the first team, and the club clearly sees him as part of its long-term plans.
Hamza Abdelkarim is another name attracting significant attention. The Egyptian forward only recently became a permanent Barcelona player after the club activated a €1.5 million purchase option from Al Ahly. He has quickly made an impression, particularly during pre-season, where his goalscoring ability helped convince Hansi Flick that he deserves opportunities with the senior squad.
Barcelona now want to dramatically increase Abdelkarim’s protection. His current release clause, reportedly €15 million, is expected to be raised to €150 million. That would send a very clear message to clubs monitoring the young striker: Barcelona have no intention of allowing one of their emerging forwards to leave cheaply.
The attention surrounding Abdelkarim is hardly surprising. In Egypt, the young striker has even been compared with Mohamed Salah, while his performances have continued to generate excitement around his potential. Barcelona appear determined to ensure that his rapid development does not attract an easy approach from wealthier European clubs.
Xavi Espart is also included in the club’s plans. His current contract runs until 2028, but Barcelona are looking to improve his terms and strengthen his protection as his importance increases.
Espart has already caught the attention of Flick and has been involved with the first-team squad. Recent reports indicate that Barcelona are considering significantly increasing his release clause as part of their wider strategy of protecting their emerging talents.
The message from Barcelona is becoming increasingly obvious. Rather than waiting until these youngsters become established stars and then facing difficult negotiations, the club wants to act early.
That strategy could prove crucial.
Barcelona have invested heavily in their squad this summer, but the emergence of young players remains one of the club’s biggest long-term advantages. Flick has already shown a willingness to give opportunities to promising youngsters, and Abdelkarim, Bernal and Espart are among those who could benefit from that approach.
With massive release clauses, longer contracts and improved financial terms being prepared, Barcelona are effectively putting up a warning sign around their academy and young stars.
The next generation is being protected, and the club clearly does not want to repeat the mistakes of the past by allowing highly rated youngsters to become vulnerable to approaches from rival clubs.
Barcelona are building for the future, and these three youngsters appear to be firmly inside the plan.