ERLING HAALAND is very much a man in demand.
The Borussia Dortmund wonderkid, 20, is strong, quick, tall and just can’t stop scoring goals.
Haaland has arguably the best-value release clause in football
In fact, Haaland has netted 25 goals in just 22 matches in all competitions this season, including FOUR in the 5-2 win over Hertha Berlin in November.
But it’s not just the Norwegian’s goals that has seen clubs fight for his signature, it’s his potential bang for buck.
Haaland joined Dortmund from RB Salzburg for just £17m in January 2020.
On completing the move, the German giants and the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, agreed to a insert a unique release clause in the contract.
The two parties agreed Haaland could leave Dortmund if another club were to offer just £63million for him – a steal in today’s transfer market.
However, that clause only becomes active in 2022, with the German side eager to keep him for at least two years before allowing him to take the next step in his career.
Real Madrid are believed to have come to an agreement with Dortmund last year allowing them first refusal on Haaland in 2022.
Los Blancos are hoping to sign Kylian Mbappe this year with a view to teaming him up with Haaland a year later in a new-look Galacticos.
CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700
Erling Haaland will cost clubs just £63m in the summer of 2022Credit: EPA
However, the likes of Chelsea have recently shown an interest in pinching the in-demand striker and could even pay well over his release clause in order to land him this year.
It’s that or roll the dice and battle the incredible pull of Real Madrid to save a few quid.
But it’s not just Haaland who has an impressive release clause in his contract – we’ve taken a look at some of the best value for money on the market…
DAYOT UPAMECANO – £38m
Dayot Upamecano will be available for a mere £38m from this summerCredit: EPA
FOR £95m less, clubs are able to sign RB Leipzig star Upamecano.
Much like Koulibaly, a host of Premier League giants, including Arsenal, have showed an interest in the Frenchman.
Upamecano, 22, has also emerged as a target for Liverpool and Man Utd this year.
However, neither club are likely to make an offer in January.
The defender’s release clause becomes active in the summer, with clubs able to take home an absolute bargain at £38m.
In-demand Upamecano is valued at around £54m at present by Transfermarkt.
LORENZO PELLEGRINI – £25m
Roma star Pellegrini has a release clause of just £25m in his contractCredit: Reuters
THE Italian midfielder, 24, has been a mainstay in the Roma side this season.
The club are pushing for the Serie A title in 2020-21, currently sitting fourth in the table.
And Pellegrini has played every game, scoring three times while adding a further three assists.
Pellegrini has played as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder and defensive midfielder this season alone, such is his versatility.
And for just £25m, he could be the bargain of the season should anyone take a punt.
CHIMY AVILA – £20m
Osasuna striker Chimy Avila, left, can be bought for just £20millionCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
THERE are a number of Premier League clubs crying out for a natural goalscorer.
And Argentine ace Avila, 26, is just that – having scored 19 times in 54 LaLiga games in a struggling Osasuna side.
Avila helped the Spanish side gain promotion from the Segunda Division in 2018-19
Osasuna currently sit 19th in LaLiga, but – despite their troubles – the South American star found the net with regularity in the top-flight.
For just £20m, he could prove a bargain for a club in need.
RUI SILVA – £12.7m
Granada goalkeeper Rui Silva is available for just £12.7mCredit: EPA
THE goalkeeper, 26, played a huge role in leading Granada back to LaLiga, guiding them to second in the Segunda Division in 2018-19.
And last year, he helped lead them to seventh in the top-flight, earning a Europa League spot to boot.
The Portuguese ace has kept 18 clean sheets in 52 LaLiga games and two shut-outs in just five Europa League matches.
For just £12.7m, Silva is proving he could be an absolute bargain for any side in need of more reliability between the sticks.
ADOLFO GAICH – £11.5m
Argentina Under-23s star Adolfo Gaich has a release clause of just £11.5m in his CSKA Moscow dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
THE Argentine forward, 21, only joined CSKA Moscow in August 2020.
But the ex-San Lorenzo star has already attracted the attention of the likes of Schalke and Villarreal.
Gaich has failed to score in 13 top-flight games, netting once in five Europa League games.
But the South American has looked lively and at 6ft 2in is a tall, powerful presence – still likely to bulk up as he gets older.
With another year or two of action under his belt, £11.5m could prove a snip for any club for the Argentina Under-23s star.
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