• Bellingham’s stellar performance at Real Madrid has reportedly led to a massive release clause in his contract
• This clause, common in LaLiga, allows players to leave if a specified fee is met, giving players leverage
• Several Barcelona players are also said to have similar clauses, including Pedri and Gavi

The world of football is abuzz with talk of release clauses, and for good reason. These contractual provisions, which are particularly prevalent in LaLiga, give players significant leverage and can lead to some eye-watering sums being exchanged. One such player is Jude Bellingham, who reportedly has a release clause of £871 million (1 billion euros) in his contract with Real Madrid.

Bellingham’s stellar performance since joining Real Madrid last year has only added to his reputation as one of the best players in the world. His debut season saw him net 23 goals, contributing to the club’s LaLiga and Champions League triumphs. With such impressive credentials, it’s no surprise that his release clause is the highest in Europe.

Bellingham isn’t the only player with a substantial release clause. Several Barcelona stars are said to have similar valuations in their contracts. This includes the midfield duo of Pedri and Gavi, who are considered key players for the Catalan club. Additionally, Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres are also reported to have release clauses in the same ballpark.

Ansu Fati, who spent last season on loan at Brighton, also has a release clause that matches Bellingham’s. Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City previously had a release clause of £223 million, although it is unclear if this still stands after his contract renewal in 2021. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jnr and Eduardo Camavinga are also said to have release clauses on par with Bellingham’s.

The use of release clauses can be a double-edged sword for clubs. On the one hand, they provide a level of protection and ensure that players are not held against their will. On the other hand, as Chelsea found out last season, they can be a source of frustration. The Blues thought they had secured a deal for Michael Olise from Crystal Palace after activating his £35 million release clause, only for Palace to convince the player to sign a new deal, effectively destroying the clause. Chelsea remains interested in Olise, but the price tag has reportedly increased to £60 million.