Napoli to protect Fabián from Madrid, Barça with release clause

Fabián Ruiz is the most precious diamond at Napoli. For his youth, his potential and his energy; And Lorenzo De Laurentiis knows his value. The president of the club wants to add an anti-Madrid and Barcelona clause into his contract that could reach €120 million according to Friday's Corriere dello Sport. Both of the Spanish giants have been linked with the player since his emergence as one of the best young midfield talents in the game.

The Spanish midfielder's agents are speaking with the club over a bump in salary. He is currently making around €2 million but they know he should be earning more while Napoli would like to extend his deal, which runs out in the summer of 2023. De Laurentiis wants to take the chance to put a clause into his contract that would mean Real Madrid and Barcelona have to pay more than anyone else for the Player of the Tournament at last summer's European under-21s.

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Release clauses are not obligatory for players in Serie A. Some clubs do, however, utilise the provision to ensure their best players don't leave for less than they're worth. It's also a nice starting point for negotiations. On the one hand, a release clause chases away clubs who can't match the fee. On the other, it also means any team can come in, without negotiationing, and pay the amount stipulated in the clause.

At €120 million, Fabían would become the player with the second most expensive buy-out clause in Serie A, sitting behind his teammate Kalidou Koulibaly.

Serie A release clauses