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.