Release clause

A buyout clause or release clause refers to, in a contract, a clause that imposes on a football club wishing to acquire a player under contract to pay money, with the substantial bid of the clause money, to the original club to acquire said club's player. The aim of this clause is twofold, firstly it discourages, with its high amount, competing clubs and secondly it raises any hint to the players not to go through with their contractual commitment.

As of 19 August 2017, the six largest buyout clauses are those of the Real Madrid players Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema (€1 billion each), Isco (€700 million),Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Luka Modrić (€500 million each).

On 3 August 2017, Paris Saint-Germain activated the buyout clause of Brazilian footballer Neymar from FC Barcelona, which was set at €222 million, making him the most expensive football player in history, ahead of the previous record set by Paul Pogba (€105 million) in 2016.

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