Julian Draxler confirms €45 million buy-out clause; while ruling out Bayern move

Julian Draxler

Julian Draxler, who has been linked with English giants Arsenal along with current Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich has long been touted to have a release clause of €37 million in his contract, although this is not the only point of confusion in his contract. The availability of the clause in various windows have also been questioned.

In a recent interview the Schalke star confirmed his clause to be at €45 million, here’s what he said:

“I prolonged my contract because I feel fine here and the long-term deal shows the appreciation and popularity I enjoy at Schalke.

“It’s no secret that I have a release clause and therefore have the opportunity to consider what is best for my development every year.

“Of course, the clause leaves a lot of room for speculation, but it is also good for both sides. It’s good for Schalke because the club does not have to let go of me on the cheap and, in their worst-case scenario, they would still get a lot of money for me.

And for me it’s good because I can make my own decision if a club decides to pay 45 million euros for me and I want a new challenge.”

Draxler also ruled out a move to the Bavarians, but it appears that he has not yet made up his mind where he wants to play next, as he was heard praising the Premier League along with eyeing up the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

He said: “I’d prefer not to comment on all those [Bayern Munich] rumours. Look at what happened with Manuel Neuer. He was 100 percent convinced that he would never join FC Bayern but, after having played as a pro for five years, time made him change his opinion.

“I also can’t say what I will think in five or six or maybe even 10 years. And when you rule something out entirely and you end up playing where most people don’t want you to be, the outcry is huge.

“Barcelona and Real Madrid have the most illustrious names in world football, but that does not necessarily mean that I want to join them now or that I don’t want to stay at Schalke or head into a different direction first.

“The most attractive football right now is being played in Spain, while England, for me, has the best league in the world.”

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt had confirmed that The Gunners had bid €30m for Draxler in the recently closed January transfer window.