5 players whose release clause could be activated soon

#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.