REAL MADRID and Barcelona are taking no risks when it comes to losing their big-name stars.
Barca found out the hard way in 2017 when Paris Saint-Germain matched Neymar’s £198m release clause and landed the Brazilian.
Therefore it is no suprise that they have since learned their lesson.
Barca and their fierce rivals dominate the list of the highest release clauses in world football as SunSport reveal the top ten.
Karim Benzema
The Frenchman has been a part of the furniture at Real Madrid following his move from Lyon in 2009.
Despite turning 33 on his next birthday, the veteran has the highest release clause in world football topping a staggering £846.7m.
He still has just under two years left on his deal at the Bernabeu and it is safe to say he is heading nowhere anytime soon.
Karim Benzema has the highest release clause in world footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Antoine Griezmann
Benzema’s French team-mate sits second on his list following his move from Atletico Madrid last year.
Barca paid the £90m release clause to sign him from their league rivals and increased it to a whopping £677.2m ensuring no top clubs will do the same.
His contract at the Nou Camp expires in 2024.
Barca want to ensure no club seals the signing of GriezmannCredit: Getty – Contributor
Luka Modric
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has a £634.9m release clause in his contract at Real Madrid.
At the age of 35, the Croatian is now enjoying the twilight of his career.
His contract at the Bernabeu expires next summer and so will his release clause.
Luka Modric has a £634.9m release clause in his contractCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
Brahim Diaz
The talented 21-year-old may not have had much of a look in at Real Madrid but he’ll still cost £634.9m – the same as Modric.
Diaz left Man City for Real in 2019 with the Spanish club keen to ensure he doesn’t move on anytime soon.
He is currently on loan with AC Milan.
Brahim Diaz is seen as one for the future at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
Lionel Messi
The transfer saga of the summer, Messi believed his £592.5m release clause had expired.
However he missed the deadline to exploit a loophole in his contract and was forced to stay at Barcelona.
Arguably the world’s greatest player, he could leave the Nou Camp for nothing next summer.
Lionel Messi’s release clause will expire next summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Isco
At the same value as Messi is Real Madrid’s Isco.
His £592.5m release clause was added when he penned a lucrative five-year contract in 2017.
Once touted as a future world star, his career at the Bernabeu has gone stale in recent seasons.
Isco has a £592.5m release clause in his Real Madrid contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Vinicius Jr
The 20-year-old Brazilian is seen as one of Real Madrid’s greatest prospects.
So it is no surprise he has a £592.5m release clause.
Vinicius Jr signed from Flamengo in 2017 and is emerging as a key player for Zinedine Zidane.
Brazilian Vinicius Jr is eyed as one of Real Madrid’s brightest talentsCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
Marco Asensio
Another Real Madrid player makes the top ten list.
The 24-year-old penned a six-year contract in 2017 and Real Madrid added a £592.5m release clause to ward off Europe’s biggest clubs.
Asensio penned a six year contract in the summer of 2017Credit: EPA
Gareth Bale
The Welshman’s days at Real Madrid may be numbered but he still has a £423m release clause in his contract.
It runs for another two years but Los Blancos are keen on letting him leave permanently.
Bale is spending the season on loan with Tottenham.
Gareth Bale is spending the season on loan with TottenhamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Gerard Pique
Matching Bale’s £423m release clause is Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.
The Spaniard penned an extension to his deal in October until the summer of 2024.
He has played over 500 times for Barca following his return from Manchester UNited in 2008.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
