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Benzema, Alaba, Griezmann & the biggest release clauses in world football

Following a summer dominated by free transfers and bargain buys, Goal takes a look at just who would need the money forked out for a no-questions move

If the off-season window of 2021 will be remembered for one thing beyond the number of big-name players who switched clubs, it will be how many made their moves on a free transfer.

Lionel Messi ended his association with Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain for nothing, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum all joining him at no extra cost.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a return to Manchester United in a bargain buy from Juventus, far below the fee he would have once commanded during his Real Madrid days.