Buyout clause

A buyout clause or release clause refers, in a contract, a clause that imposes a football club wishing to acquire a player under contract to pay money, often substantial, the original club to acquire a 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.

In 2015, the three largest buyout clauses were those of the Real Madrid players Gareth Bale (1.2 billion euros ), Cristiano Ronaldo (1 billion euros) and Barça player Lionel Messi (250 million euros).