“FSG Slaps £83,000,000 ‘Anti-Arsenal’ Clause into Liverpool Star’s Deal Following Fierce Transfer Saga”
“FSG Inserts £83,000,000 ‘Anti-Arsenal’ Clause in Liverpool Star’s Contract After Heated Transfer Battle”
Liverpool were infuriated after Arsenal attempted to sign one of their star players, leading to a peculiar move by the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
This Tuesday, Arsenal made headlines by reportedly completing the surprise signing of long-time Liverpool midfield target Martin Zubimendi. This wasn’t the first time the two clubs clashed over high-profile transfers, with several notable feuds arising from their rival bids for players.
One particular transfer battle, however, stands out as the most contentious, prompting Liverpool to insert a unique anti-Arsenal clause into the contract of one of their key players.
In 2013, Arsenal made a now-infamous bid of £40 million plus £1 for Liverpool star Luis Suarez, triggering a clause in his contract that required the club to inform the striker if any club made an offer over £40 million. This move by Arsenal, which was viewed as an attempt to meet the contractual obligation, enraged Liverpool, leading to an immediate rejection of the bid. The response from Liverpool’s owner, John W. Henry, was a famous social media post, saying: “What do you think they’re smoking over there at the Emirates?”
Determined to avoid a repeat of such a situation with Arsenal, FSG made sure to protect Liverpool from any future unwanted bids from their rivals when Roberto Firmino joined the club in 2015. The Brazilian forward arrived from Hoffenheim for £21.3 million, with his contract including an £83 million release clause—except when it came to Arsenal.
If Arsenal ever sought to sign Firmino, they would have had to negotiate a transfer fee directly with Liverpool, which, considering his success at Anfield, would likely have been far higher than the release clause.
Firmino went on to score 111 goals and register 75 assists in 362 appearances for Liverpool, winning seven major trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
