5 players whose release clause could be activated soon

The summer transfer window may be closed but not every team did the business they desired. With a market growing ever inflated, it's worth remembering some of the best talents in Europe have release clauses that can be activated. Here are the five most interesting options when it comes to those buyout prices.

#1 Andrea Belotti (Torino)

The Torino frontman is one of the most sought after players in Europe, and after plundering 26 goals in 35 games last season, it’s no surprise. It’s an interesting time for players of Belotti’s ilk too, given that there are so few natural goal scorers around these days. More often than not you’ll find reduced strikers who play behind another main player. Or, as some prefer, go with wingers in attack. Belotti is a throwback in many senses given his approach to leading the line in Turin.

Belotti’s approach has seen him compared to Christian Vieri. ‘The Rooster’ as he’s nicknamed, is an imposing figure of muscle and height. His physical nature is used well to batter through defences, as the 23-year-old certainly can’t be accused of not using his body to his advantage. He’s particularly impressive at attacking crosses and making smart movements in the penalty area.

Just because of his figure, it doesn’t take anything away from the mobility in his game. Belotti is quick and energetic enough to deceive defenders, and off the ball, he can be a nightmare to track. All these qualities are rare in a striker these days, and it’s why Torino inserted a huge €100m clause in his deal. That won’t put off some of Europe’s elite chasing the big prizes though.

#2 Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

An interesting question often posed is how Inaki Williams remains at Athletic Bilbao, given his emergence over recent seasons. His style of play is also a sought after one, where he can explode down the channels as a winger but also play through the middle as a central striker, no problem.

This past year or so at Athletic, however, we’ve seen Williams play more through wide areas, as he looks to stretch defences and provide a different type of outlet for the Basque outfit. He’s also aware to Aritz Aduriz’s knockdowns and makes himself available for passes from midfielders very well. Williams is extremely quick and can hold off defenders well enough, but he’s also blessed technically and can go past defenders with skill and run with the ball at his feet in a dangerous fashion.

If there is one flaw in his game it’s taking chances. It might have something to do with him playing further away from the goal, however, as Williams rarely gets in the sorts of positions you’d expect from a striker. In time, however, with more coaching and as his game develops, we could see that aspect of his game become refined.

A €50m release clause seems very attainable -- even cheap -- in the current market.

#3 Jean-Michael Seri (Nice)

The Nice playmaker nearly said goodbye to the team from the south of France in July, but Barcelona’s inability to get a deal over the line could well be of fortune for another club. Seri’s a fine attacking midfielder, packed with class but also an added edge. He’s a versatile player who works hard, is extremely humble and has a willingness to learn and improve his game.

Seri was a key performer for Nice almost immediately after arriving from Portuguese minnows Pacos. He became an integral member of Lucien Favre's team in the 2016/17 season when Nice became one of Europe’s surprise packages by qualifying for Europe. A starring role against Nice in a 3-0 win was particularly notable.

It’s a shame for Seri that he didn’t get a move to Barcelona after professing his love for the club, and modelling his game on one of their greats, Xavi.

“Xavi has the ability to calm the game, not by voice but by what he does with the ball. He is thoughtful, makes simple but clever moves, and doesn't lose the ball.” stated Seri, when talking about the player he looked up to more than any other.

Maybe even Xavi didn’t have Seri’s incredible versatility. He can play in a deep role akin to Andrea Pirlo’s, a box-to-box position, and behind the attack as a classic number ten of sorts. It’s why his release clause of €40m seems cheap. He’s proved himself in Ligue 1 admirably too, and the purchase does not look too much of a risk.

#4 Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen)

It might’ve been a poor season for Bayer Leverkusen, disastrous even, but there was one major bright spot -- Julian Brandt. Still only 21, his performances of last season have seen his stock rise despite featuring in a weak Bayer side.

The young German often features as a winger, but can also hold the line himself and work hard, pressing from the front. Often situated on the left, Brandt is given a lot of freedom and is able to drift inside and contribute to attacking transitions. At over 6 ft, he’s quite the unorthodox wide presence too and he uses the physical prowess often to his advantage.

Brandt has all the qualities you’d expect from a winger including the ability to beat his opponent with either speed or skill, and his decision-making in the final third continues to improve.

His ability to defend is notable too, and Brandt is a player willing to sacrifice himself for the team and provide extra support for the midfield. It’s impressive from a young player, this in-game intelligence, and after racking up 100 appearances recently for Bayer he became the youngest player to do so for the club at 21 years and 116 days.

This experience for such a young player has seen his game develop rapidly, and as a regular for Bayer, it is clear to see the areas in which he’s developed. He might well be considerably better by the time his €17m release clause becomes active in the summer of 2018.

#5 Alejandro Grimaldo (Benfica)

Grimaldo has been through two of the finest youth academies in Spain, first popping up at Valencia before moving on to Barcelona’s La Masia. Unfortunately for the full-back, he was unable to prosper at Barça and injuries were also a thorn in his side.

He has carved out a career for himself elsewhere, however, and ever since a move to Benfica in January 2016 has developed superbly. Injuries somewhat remain an issue and it’s without a doubt the biggest concern surrounding the player, but his ability is not up for question. It makes that €60m release clause particularly tempting.

In a left full-back role, Grimaldo is a strong presence, and is particularly notable for his ability when on the front foot. The 21-year-old is rapid when supporting the attack, and possesses excellent quality on the ball. He can drive at opponents with speed and also skill, and his passing and crossing are also fairly good.

He can be compared to Jordi Alba, who has a similar style, a player he is regularly compared to. Grimaldo above all likes to form part of the attack and at times get higher than his winger, cutting inside to devastating effect.

Intriguingly, Grimaldo came through as a young player in the midfield, but was moved out wide. It shows in his game quite often in terms of his courage and quality on the ball. Manchester City were linked with the player heavily before they invested elsewhere, meaning Grimaldo is still available to provide a one-man threat in wide areas.