Football Manager 2020 hit the shelves in November and with that came a new wave of shrewd managers on the prowl for the best deals.
To truly survive and thrive in the virtual dugout, an economical approach is often required and that can come in many forms.
From payment instalments to free transfers and loan buys, there’s more than one way to be thrifty in the market; the savviest of us will often seek these bargain deals and hidden gems, while there are some who simply can’t help but let the chequebook do the talking.
But, for those of us who don’t want to suffocate the transfer budget, one approach that often proves fruitful during the window is to scour the market for players who have a buyout clause in their contract.
Most take up residence in La Liga but dig a little deeper and you will come across a number of players with release clauses just waiting to be triggered.
With that, we’ve compiled 10 of the most lucrative release clauses that you must activate on Football Manager this year.
1. Diego Lainez (Real Betis)
Release clause fee: £19.5m
The teenage Mexican is one of the hottest prospects emerging from La Liga, and although a £19.5m price tag may seem excessive for a player of such little experience, that figure is set to quadruple in just a few year’s time, so get ahead of the curve and snap him up now. The jinking winger combines natural dribbling ability and pace to beat his man and is set for a future on the elite stage.
2. Dani Pacheco (Malaga)
Release clause fee: £5.5m
If you don’t happen to have around £20m lying around for a talent of Lainez’s ilk then why not go for a cheaper, more mature, but no less gifted option in Pacheco? The creative Spaniard won’t cost you an inordinate fee and comes with tonnes of pedigree. His education includes hailing from the esteemed La Masia academy in Barcelona, as well as once plying his trade at Liverpool’s Kirkby complex.
3. Pedrinho (Corinthians)
Release clause fee: £43m
From Deco to Marquinhos, some of the game’s greatest players have emerged from Corinthians’ esteemed conveyor belt, and Pedrinho could be the next in line. At just 21, he has already made over 100 appearances for Timao and while that £43m figure may seem a tad excessive, when he’s running riot against Europe’s elite at 25 you’ll thanking your lucky stars you took a gamble.
4. Juanpi (Malaga)
Release clause fee: £7.25m
Returning to Andalusia and Venezuelan winger Juanpi is an absolute steal at less than £10m. He has been loyal to Malaga across his career, but now is surely the time for this Caracas-born trickster to try his luck away from La Rosaleda and return to the top flight. His technical attributes are a sight to behold, so if you’re looking to add some flair and zeal to your byline, then Juanpi is certainly worth a punt.
5. Ever Banega (Sevilla)
Release clause fee: £17.25m
Banega may now be 31, but to sign a midfield titan of his unwavering ability for less than £20m is surely a must. The Rosario-born playmaker possesses an abundance of versatility, so can slot into numerous roles across the midfield area, while his experience could prove invaluable to the development of younger players.
6. Daniel Parejo (Valencia)
Release clause fee: £43m
This one may not quite seem the astute piece of business you were hoping for, but the former Real Madrid midfielder is currently valued at £40.5m, so to sign him essentially at face value would certainly prove solid transfer activity. The Spain international is one of the most complete central midfielders across Europe and could bring a new tempo-setting dimension to your side – a hefty fee certainly, but it may pay off!
7. Pelayo Morilla (Sporting de Gijon)
Release clause fee: £4.5m
I know what you’re thinking: a 17-year-old wonderkid for just £4.5m, what’s the catch? Well actually, there isn’t one. Morilla just so happens to be one of this year’s best young talents, and he can be prised away for a paltry sum. Even if you’re not the nurturing type, just sign him up. Once you see his God-given talents on the training pitch, your paternalistic instinct is sure to kick in.
8. Franco Vazquez (Sevilla)
Release clause fee: £21.5m
Anyone who has drawn comparisons with Juan Roman Riquelme, Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio must surely be worst investing in. The thrice-capped Argentina international has been a consistent performer for Sevilla over the years and can be prised away from the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium for a moderate circa £20m fee.
9. Walter Kannemann (Gremio)
Release clause fee: £8.5m
Possibly the best release clause deal on this list, Kannemann can be secured for under £10m and is a ready-made top-flight centre-back. His versatility is such that he can play competently at left-back, but it may be through the middle where you want this no-nonsense Argentina international. With 19 for bravery, 17 for aggression, 18 for work rate and 16 each for marking, tackling and determination, this is one hard-hitting, tenacious South American.
10. Sergio Escudero (Sevilla)
Release clause fee: £13m
Coming in at number 10 is, fittingly, another Sevilla player – the third one on our list – with left-back Escudero on the menu for just over £10m. Los Nervionenses currently have Sergio Reguilon on loan from Real Madrid, meaning third captain Escudero has dropped down the pecking order but he would make a fine addition at any middling club – or a very capable back-up option at least.