Tim Sherwood reveals £32.5m clause
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has confirmed that star-striker Christian Benteke has a release clause in his contract worth £32.5million.
The Belgium international is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, so the latest news will certainly alert the trio.
Sherwood was talking in his press conference ahead of the FA Cup Final, and when he was questioned about the striker’s future, he admitted that the club may not be able to prevent a transfer if the clause is activated.
Sherwood Reveals Clause
Sherwood said: “There’s a buy-out clause in his contract so it will be impossible for us to stop him if he wants to go.
“Someone’s got to meet that and if they don’t it won’t be considered because we don’t want to lose him.”
Despite the release clause and the possible chance of playing for a big Premier League club, Sherwood has urged Benteke to remain at Villa Park for the following season, especially with the European Championships next Summer.
Benteke will be one of the strikers in the Belgium squad, but will face competition from Romelu Lukaku and Divock Origi, and Sherwood thinks if the striker stays at Villa, he would have a great chance of getting into the Belgium first-team.
Sherwood Urges Benteke to Stay
He added: “I don’t think he should be moving clubs before a European Championship. It’s a tournament where you feel that Belgium will be one of the favourites.
“Playing for Aston Villa hasn’t hindered him being the first choice at Belgium, up to now.
“This is still a huge football club. It’s up to the individual to make that decision. I can’t make it for him. I want him to stay here.
“If he scores 30 goals next season he can go to the best club in the world, surely. The kid could be that good.
“If he ends up scoring 20 or 30 goals next season he is probably going to be playing for Real Madrid.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
